Sequence-Specific Fidelity Alterations Associated with West Nile Virus Attenuation in Mosquitoes.

ABSTRACT: High rates of error-prone replication result in the rapid accumulation of genetic diversity of RNA viruses. Recent studies suggest that mutation rates are selected for optimal viral fitness and that modest variations in replicase fidelity may be associated with viral attenuation. Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are unique in their requirement for host cycling and may necessitate substantial genetic and phenotypic plasticity. In order to more thoroughly investigate the correlates, mechanisms and consequences of arbovirus fidelity, we selected fidelity variants of West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) utilizing selection in the presence of a mutagen. We identified two mutations in the WNV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase associated with increased fidelity, V793I and G806R, and a

SUBMITTER: Van Slyke GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4482725 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature