Genetic diversity and evolution of human metapneumovirus fusion protein over twenty years.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important cause of acute respiratory illness in children. We examined the diversity and molecular evolution of HMPV using 85 full-length F (fusion) gene sequences collected over a 20-year period.

Results

The F gene sequences fell into two major groups, each with two subgroups, which exhibited a mean of 96% identity by predicted amino acid sequences. Amino acid identity within and between subgroups was higher than nucleotide identity, suggesting structural or functional constraints on F protein diversity. There was minimal progressive drift over time, and the genetic lineages were stable over the 20-year period. Several canonical amino acid differences discriminated between major subgroups, and polymorphic variations tended to clu

SUBMITTER: Yang CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2753315 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature