Genetic Variability and Sequence Relatedness of Matrix Protein in Viruses of the Families Paramyxoviridae and Pneumoviridae

Abstract

Background: The families Paramyxoviridae and Pneumoviridae comprise a broad spectrum of viral pathogens that affect human health. The matrix (M) protein of these viruses has a central role in their life cycle. In line with this, molecular characteristics of the M proteins from variable viruses that circulated in Croatia were investigated. Methods: Sequences of the M proteins of human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) 1–3 within the family Paramyxoviridae, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and human respiratory syncytial virus from the family Pneumoviridae were obtained and analyzed. Results: M proteins were very diverse among HPIVs, but highly conserved within each virus. More variability was seen in nucleotide sequences of M proteins from the Pneumoviridae family. An insertion of 8 nucleotides in the 3′ untranslated region in 1 HMPV M gene sequence was discovered (HR347-12). As there are no samples with such an insertion in the database, this insertion is of interest and requires further research. Conclusion: While we have confirmed that M proteins were conserved among individual viruses, any changes that are observed should be given attention and further researched. Of special interest is inclusion of HPIV2 M proteins in this analysis, as these proteins have not been studied to the same extent as other paramyxoviruses.

Evaluación de la interacción de la proteína de matriz del virus sincitial respiratorio humano (VSRH) con la proteína nucleolar fibrilarina

“…Una de las proteínas que funcionalmente es conservada en la familia de paramixovirus y pneumovirus es la proteína de matriz. A pesar de que dicha proteína en ambas familias difiere tanto en secuencia de aminoácidos como de nucleótidos, la función que desempeña dentro del ciclo de infección en ambas familias se conserva (Slovic et al, 2017). La función principal de la proteína de matriz es la de direccionar el ensamblaje y la gemación en la membrana plasmática.…”

“…Una posible explicación al fenómeno que observamos en nuestro modelo de estudio. Es que aunque, se sabe que la proteína de matriz de los paramixovirus y pneumovirus se conserva y cumple la misma función(Slovic et al, 2017). Existen diferencias en las secuencias de aminoácidos, lo cual hace que tengan diferentes conformaciones tridimensionales.…”