Genetic variability of the small t antigen of the novel KI, WU and MC polyomaviruses

Arch Virol. 2010 Sep;155(9):1433-8. doi: 10.1007/s00705-010-0725-x. Epub 2010 Jun 19.

Abstract

Recently, three novel human polyomaviruses were discovered: KIPyV, WUPyV and MCPyV. To study the genetic variability of these viruses, an evolutionary analysis of the large T antigen, small t antigen, VP1, VP2 and VP3 genes was carried out. Of the genes analyzed, only the small t antigen of KIPyV and MCPyV was found to be under statistically supported selective pressure. In KIPyV, 31 selected sites were found under positive selection (ω(2) = 1.54), with posterior probabilities above 0.75. Of these sites, 17 are located in the J domain and two of these are located in the HPDGG box. Thirteen of these sites were identified as being under positive selection at the 99% confidence level. Moreover, seven codons were under significant purifying selection, particularly in the J domain. In MCPyV, we confirmed the five sites already found to be under positive selection (posterior probabilities 0.99). Selective pressure analysis may provide useful information on viral evolution.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Polyomavirus / classification
  • Polyomavirus / genetics*
  • Polyomavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / virology*
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • Viral Proteins