Analysis of the Choristoneura fumiferana nucleopolyhedrovirus genome

Abstract

The double-stranded DNA genome of Choristoneura fumiferana nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) was sequenced and analysed in the context of other group I nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs). The genome consists of 129 593 bp with a G+C content of 50·1 mol%. A total of 146 open reading frames (ORFs) of greater than 150 bp, and with no or minimal overlap were identified. In addition, five homologous regions were identified containing 7–10 repeats of a 36 bp imperfect palindromic core. Comparison with other completely sequenced baculovirus genomes revealed that 139 of the CfMNPV ORFs have homologues in at least one other baculovirus and seven ORFs are unique to CfMNPV. Of the 117 CfMNPV ORFs common to all group I NPVs, 12 are exclusive to group I NPVs. Overall, CfMNPV is most similar to Orgyia pseudotsugata MNPV based on gene content, arrangement and overall amino acid identity. Unlike other group I baculoviruses, however, CfMNPV encodes a viral enhancing factor (vef) and has two copies of p26.