Discovery of a New Papillomavirus in a Snake
Author Information
Author(s): Christian E Lange, Claude Favrot, Mathias Ackermann, Jessica Gull, Elisabeth Vetsch, Kurt Tobler
Primary Institution: Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify and characterize a novel papillomavirus from a diamond python.
Conclusion
The newly discovered papillomavirus genome from a snake does not cluster with other known non-mammalian papillomaviruses and is more closely related to mammalian papillomaviruses.
Supporting Evidence
- The MsPV1 genome consists of 7048 nucleotides and contains characteristic open reading frames.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows that MsPV1 clusters with mammalian PVs rather than with those from reptiles.
- MsPV1 shares a higher percentage of sequence identities with mammalian PVs than with known sauropsid PVs.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new virus in a snake that is different from other viruses found in reptiles and is more similar to those found in mammals.
Methodology
The study involved cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of papillomavirus DNA from skin lesions of a diamond python.
Limitations
The limited number of available sauropsid PV sequences restricts precise elucidation of ancient events in PV evolution.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on a single diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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