Molecular biology

VIRION

Non-enveloped, flexuous, filamentous,640 nm long and 12 nm in diameter.

GENOME

Linear ssRNA(+) genome of 6.5-7.5 kb in size. The 3’ terminus is polyadenylated. Encodes for at least 3 proteins.

GENE EXPRESSION

The virion RNA is infectious and serves as both the genome and viral messenger RNA. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is translated directly from the genomic RNA. ORF2 protein is translated by subgenomic RNA. Capsid (CP) protein may be produced by cleavage of ORF1, but expression by a subgenomic RNA is more probable.

REPLICATION

CYTOPLASMIC

1. Virus penetrates into the host cell.
2. Uncoating, and release of the viral genomic RNA into the cytoplasm.
3. The viral RNA is translated as a monocistronic mRNA to produce the RdRp (encoded by the 5’-proximal ORF).
4. A negative-sense complementary ssRNA is synthesized using the genomic RNA as a template.
5. New genomic RNA is synthesized using the negative-sense RNA as a template.
6. Internal subgenomic promoters are used to transcribe the sgRNAs. Traduction of these sgRNAs yields the capsid and movement proteins.
7. Formation of new virus particles.