Molecular cloning and sequencing of the Mexico isolate of hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major causative agent of hepatitis E or what was formerly known as enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis. The disease has a worldwide distribution but occurs principally in developing countries in any of three forms: large epidemics, smaller outbreaks, or sporadic infections. Genetic variation of different HEV strains was previously noted and it will be important to determine the extent to which this variation may pose problems in the diagnosis and treatment of HEV infection. To analyze differences at the genetic level between HEV(Mexico; M) and the previously characterized HEV(Burma; B) and HEV(Pakistan; P) isolates, overlapping cDNAs were cloned from samples obtained from an infected human and an experimentally inoculated cynomolgus macaque. These cDNA clones, representing the nearly complete (7185-bp) genome of HEV(M), confirmed an expression strategy for the virus that involves the use of 3 forward open reading frames (ORFs). The HEV(M) strain has an overall 76 and 77% nucleic acid identity with the HEV(B) strain and HEV(P) strain, respectively; however, the degree of sequence variation was not uniform throughout the viral genome. A hypervariable region was identified in ORF1 that exhibited a 58 and 54% nucleic acid sequence and 13% amino acid similarity with the Burma strain and the Pakistan strain, respectively. A large number of the nucleotide differences occurred at the third codon position, with the deduced amino acid sequences similarity of 83, 93, and 87% between HEV(M) and HEV(B) isolates in ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3, respectively, and with 84, 93, and 87% amino acid identities between HEV(M) and HEV(P) isolates in ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3, respectively. The nucleotide sequences derived from the highly conserved regions of HEV genome will be useful in developing polymerase chain reaction-based tests to confirm the viral infection. Knowledge of the extent of the sequence variation encountered with HEV will not only aid in the future development of diagnostic and vaccine reagents but also further our understanding of how HEV strain variation might impact the pathological outcome of infection.     

Hepatitis E virus genotyping based on full-length genome and partial genomic regions

Some genomic regions for hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotyping have been reported to correlate well with the results from the phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the complete genome. However, few studies have systemically investigated the genomic regions for HEV genotyping using a combined phylogenetic and statistical approach. A consensus region for HEV genotyping has not been determined. In this study the nucleotide identities and genetic distances of 24 partial genomic regions and the complete genome sequences of 37 HEV strains were compared statistically. It was demonstrated with both one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA that only one genomic region in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain (4254–4560 nt) for which there were no significant differences when compared with the full-length genome (P > 0.05). The same four genotypes were identified by phylogenetic analysis based on this statistically predicted region identified as for the complete genome. RT-PCR amplification of HEV strains from all four genotypes confirmed conservation of the flanking primer sites of this region. Serum samples from 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of hepatitis E were further analyzed by PCR using the same primers, 13 were positive and could be classified into genotype 4. These data strongly suggested that this newly identified region could be used for future HEV genotyping.     

The 3' end of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genome binds specifically to the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute epidemic and sporadic hepatitis in the developing world. It is a positive-strand RNA virus with a genome length of about 7.2 kb. The replication mechanism of this virus is virtually unexplored. Identification of the regulatory elements involved in initiation of replication may help in designing specific inhibitors for therapy. In the positive-stranded RNA viruses the initiation of replication requires interaction of the 3' end of genome with its RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and possibly host-derived cofactors for synthesis of the minus-strand replicative intermediate. Secondary structure prediction of the conserved 3' end of the infectious HEV genome was carried out to identify possible stem-loop structures necessary for RNA-protein interaction and the model was confirmed by structure probing experiments. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays showed specific binding of purified and refolded recombinant HEV RdRp protein to the 3' end of its RNA genome containing the poly(A) stretch. Mutations at the 3' end, in which the stem-loop structures were partially or completely destroyed or recreated revealed that the two stem-loop structures SL1 and SL2 at the 3' end and the poly(A) stretch are necessary for this binding. The interacting nucleotides in such an interaction were further identified by generating footprints of the complex by Pb(II)-induced hydrolysis. This specific binding of viral RdRp to the 3' end of HEV RNA directs the synthesis of complementary-strand RNA and thus such a binding domain might assume the role of a possible cis-acting element as a potential site for the initiation of replication.     

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) nonstructural open reading frame 1 (ORF1)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes enterically transmitted epidemic and sporadic viral hepatitis affecting millions of people in the developing world. Different geographical isolates of HEV show a high degree of homology at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. The approximately 7.2 kb RNA genome has three open reading frames of which ORF1 is predicted to code for the viral nonstructural polyprotein. The expression, processing and properties of the nonstructural ORF1 polyprotein have not been reported so far. In this study, the complete HEV ORF1 was reconstructed from overlapping fragments amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of total RNA isolated from the bile fluid of a rhesus monkey experimentally infected with HEV isolate from an epidemic. The complete assembled ORF1 was sequenced using HEV specific primers. The ORF1 polyprotein was expressed in E. coli, in a cell free translation system and in HepG2 cells, and was characterized by western blotting and immunoprecipitation using acute phase patient serum as well as polyclonal antibodies raised against defined parts of the ORF1 polyprotein. The nonstructural polyprotein of HEV was expressed as a 186 kDa protein. No processing was observed into discrete units, either in-vitro based on a kinetic analysis, or in HepG2 cells based on immunoprecipitation.     

Subcellular localization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) replicase

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a hepatotropic virus with a single sense-strand RNA genome of approximately 7.2 kb in length. Details of the intracellular site of HEV replication can pave further understanding of HEV biology. In-frame fusion construct of functionally active replicase-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene was made in eukaryotic expression vector. The functionality of replicase-EGFP fusion protein was established by its ability to synthesize negative-strand viral RNA in vivo, by strand-specific anchored RT-PCR and molecular beacon binding. Subcellular co-localization was carried out using organelle specific fluorophores and by immuno-electron microscopy. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) demonstrated the interaction of this protein with the 3' end of HEV genome. The results show localization of replicase on the endoplasmic reticulum membranes. The protein regions responsible for membrane localization was predicted and identified by use of deletion mutants. Endoplasmic reticulum was identified as the site of replicase localization and possible site of replication.     

Novel hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolates from Europe: evidence for additional genotypes of HEV

Hepatitis E infection is associated with areas in which hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic. Acute infections in industrialized nations are usually linked to travel to endemic areas. Recently, an acute hepatitis infection in a patient from the United States (US), with no recent foreign travel history, was linked to a novel strain of HEV. Although a few additional cases have been reported from patients who have not traveled to endemic areas, the source of these infections has not been determined. The objective of this study was to identify additional HEV isolates from patients with acute infection who had no recent history of travel to areas where HEV is considered endemic, and to determine the genetic relationship between these and other HEV isolates. Viral RNA was isolated from serum and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using consensus primers based on a number of HEV isolates. HEV sequence in open reading frame (ORF) 1 and ORF2 was identified in three patients from nonendemic areas, one from Italy and two from Greece. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The Greek and Italian isolates were significantly divergent from two isolates from the US and isolates identified previously from HEV-endemic regions. The Italian isolate was distinct from the two Greek isolates. In addition, the two Greek isolates were significantly divergent from each other. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Italian and two Greek isolates represent three new genotypes of HEV, distinct from the Burmese, Mexican, and US genotypes.     

An overview: Rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) and rabbit providing an animal model for HEV study

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA virus and the causative agent of hepatitis E. The virus belongs to genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae, which contains 4 major genotypes closely relating to humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 only infect humans whereas genotypes 3 and 4 HEV are harbored in a wide range of animal species worldwide and are zoonotic to humans. Recently, a novel animal strain of HEV has been isolated in farmed rabbits in China, and subsequently more strains were discovered in the rabbit populations in at least 7 other countries. Due to high sequence similarity to genotype 3 HEV, rabbit HEV (rHEV) has been assigned to genotype 3. Experimental study showed that rHEV could infect non‐human primate and human, which pose a direct threat to human. Further pathogenesis studies showed laboratory rabbits infected with rHEV and genotype 4 HEV could present similar signs of acute and chronic hepatitis E along with extra‐hepatic replication as observed in humans. High mortality and vertical transmission were reproduced in rHEV infected pregnant rabbits. Furthermore, rabbit model was also found suitable for evaluating HEV vaccine efficacy in order to manage zoonotic transmission. These data showed laboratory rabbits could serve as an alternative animal model for HEV study under the current circumstances that HEV propagation is limited in vitro. In general, this review aims at presenting comprehensive up‐to‐date information about rHEV strains and rabbit model for HEV studies.     

Physical characterization and molecular cloning of the Shope fibroma virus DNA genome

DNA from several independent strains of Shope fibroma virus, a tumorogenic leporipoxvirus of rabbits, was isolated and analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestion and Southern blotting. The restriction profiles indicated a high degree of sequence conservation among the isolates but blotting under standard stringencies revealed no detectable cross homology with a member of the orthopoxvirus group, vaccinia. The genome of the fibroma virus was calculated to be in excess of 160 kilobases and shown to possess two features analogous to the orthopoxvirus group: (1) the terminal restriction fragments possess covalently closed hairpin structures; and (2) the terminal sequences are present as inverted repeats of greater than 10 kilobases. The terminal 3.6 kilobase BamHI restriction fragment was cloned in pBR322 after removal of the hairpin structure with mung bean single strand-specific endonuclease and addition of BamHI linkers. SFV sequences within this terminal region were shown, using 32P SFV cloned terminal probe, to have none of the sequence heterogeneity characteristic of vaccinia DNA termini. The remaining 20 internal SFV BamHI restriction fragments were propagated in bacterial plasmids either as intact fragments, or after secondary digestion with HindIII, and together constitute the complete cloned SFV sequence library.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.     

HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法的建立

目的 建立可靠的HLA-Cw基因全长序列的分子克隆和测序技术.方法 设计合成HLA-Cw基因全长序列PCR引物和探索PCR反应体系,采用长距离PCR技术,扩增HLA-Cw基因非翻泽区(untranslated region,5'-UTR)区、8个外显子、7个内含子和3'-UTR区,全长约4.5 kb.PCR产物纯化后进行分子克隆,筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒DNA,采用自行设计的测序引物进行全长双向测序.12份已经AlleleSEQR HLA-Cw测序分型试剂盒进行PCR产物直接测序、基因型已知的样本,分别用TaKaRa LATaq酶和Stratagene Pfu Taq DNA聚合酶进行HLA-Cw基因全长扩增,以及PCR产物分子克隆和序列测定,克隆测序结果分别与PCR产物直接测序结果进行对比分析.结果 PCR扩增获得了特异性目的 片段,测序获得了HLA-Cw基因-962～3576位碱基全长序列.克隆测序结果的对比表明,Pfu酶保真性高于LA Taq酶.比较本文测定的Cw*010201与Cw*07020101等位基因序列,在5'上游-962～-284位碱基区域存在11个单核苷酸多态(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNPs)和2个插入(或)缺失多态性位点;3'-UTR下游3067～3576位碱基区域存在11个SNPs和1个插入(或)缺失.结论 建立了HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子克隆及测序方法,在HLA-Cw基因全长序列分子多态性及表达调控等研究领域,具有广泛应用前景.