Abstract

Genetic features of a translation initiation system composed of IRES element, nucleotide context surrounding the initiation codon, and translation initiation region of classical swine fever virus RNA

Author(s): X.-X. Ma*, Y.-P. Feng*, Y.-Q. Zhao, J.-L. Liu, L. Chen, P.-H. Guo, J.-Z. Guo, L.-Y. Ma and Z.-R. Ma

Nucleotide and codon usage are typically examined to investigate viral evolution. In this study, we analyzed the genetic information of 46 strains of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) RNA, nucleotide usage in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), the nucleotide context surrounding the initiation codon, and synonymous codon usage in the translation initiation region. Phylogenetic analysis of the IRES element indicated that the genetic diversity of this element is generally similar to the phylogenetic clusters of CSFV genotypes. Nucleotides surrounding the initiation codon of CSFV RNA were generally more stable (ACAUGGCACAUGGAGUUG) compared to the internal AUG in the CSFV coding sequence.

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