ARS | Publication request: GENOME ORGANIZATION AND SEQUENCE OF TOMATO CHLOROSIS VIRUS

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2004
Publication Date: June 20, 2004
Citation: Wintermantel, W.M., Wisler, G.C., Karasev, A.V., Liu, H. 2004. Genome organization and sequence of tomato chlorosis virus. Phytopathology. 94:111.

Technical Abstract: The genome of Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) was cloned and the complete nucleotide sequence of the virus determined and compared with related crinivirus species. RNA1 is organized into 3 ORFs, and encodes proteins involved in replication of viral RNA based on homology to other viral replication factors. RNA 2 is composed of 7 ORFs encoding an hsp70 homolog and two proteins involved in encapsidation of viral RNA, referred to as the coat protein and minor coat protein. Sequence homology between ToCV and other criniviruses varies throughout the viral genome. The ORF encoding the minor coat protein of ToCV, which forms part of the 'rattlesnake tail' of virions and may be involved in determining the unique, broad vector transmissibility of ToCV, is larger than the comparable LIYV gene by 651 nucleotides. Among criniviruses sequenced, considerable variability exists in the size of some viral proteins. Analysis of these differences with respect to biological function may provide insights into the role crinivirus proteins play in virus infection and transmission.