Mutagenesis Scanning Uncovers Evolutionary Constraints on Tobacco Etch Potyvirus Membrane-Associated 6K2 Protein.

ABSTRACT: RNA virus high mutation rate is a double-edged sword. At the one side, most mutations jeopardize proteins functions; at the other side, mutations are needed to fuel adaptation. The relevant question then is the ratio between beneficial and deleterious mutations. To evaluate this ratio, we created a mutant library of the 6K2 gene of tobacco etch potyvirus that contains every possible single-nucleotide substitution. 6K2 protein anchors the virus replication complex to the network of endoplasmic reticulum membranes. The library was inoculated into the natural host Nicotiana tabacum, allowing competition among all these mutants and selection of those that are potentially viable. We identified 11 nonsynonymous mutations that remain in the viral population at measurable frequencies and evaluated

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6482416 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature