title: Phylogenetic and structural analysis of merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 in Brazilian samples.
abstract: Our understanding of the phylogenetic and structural characteristics of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is increasing but still scarce, especially in samples originating from South America. In order to investigate the properties of MCPyV circulating in the continent in more detail, MCPyV Viral Protein 1 (VP1) sequences from five basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and four saliva samples from Brazilian individuals were evaluated from the phylogenetic and structural standpoint, along with all complete MCPyV VP1 sequences available at Genbank database so far. The VP1 phylogenetic analysis confirmed the previously reported pattern of geographic distribution of MCPyV genotypes and the complexity of the South-American clade. The nine Brazilian samples were equally distributed in the South-American (3 saliva samples); North American/European (2 BCC and 1 saliva sample); and in the African clades (3 BCC). The classification of mutations according to the functional regions of VP1 protein revealed a differentiated pattern for South-American sequences, with higher number of mutations on the neutralizing epitope loops and lower on the region of C-terminus, responsible for capsid formation, when compared to other continents. In conclusion, the phylogenetic analysis showed that the distribution of Brazilian VP1 sequences agrees with the ethnic composition of the country, indicating that VP1 can be successfully used for MCPyV phylogenetic studies. Finally, the structural analysis suggests that some mutations could have impact on the protein folding, membrane binding or antibody escape, and therefore they should be further studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Camila F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Baez
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Nuria C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marianna T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Venceslau
authors.affiliation: Sector of Dermatology, University Hospital Antonio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
authors.forename: Flávio B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Luz
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Angelica A M
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariano G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Zalis
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil. Electronic address: rvarella@id.uff.br.
authors.forename: Rafael B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Varella
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000821:virology; D018985:Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D059965:Merkel cell polyomavirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D010802:Phylogeny; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D036022:Capsid Proteins; D018985:Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte; C062481:VP1 protein, polyomavirus
keywords: Merkel cell polyomavirus; Phylogeny; Protein structure; South-America; VP1