Topics in herpesvirus genomics and evolution

摘要: Herpesviruses comprise an abundant, widely distributed group of large DNA viruses humans and other vertebrates, overall are among the most extensively studied viruses. Many herpesvirus genome sequences have been determined, interpreted in terms gene contents to give detailed views both ubiquitous lineage-specific functions. Availability has also enabled evaluations evolutionary relationships. For herpesviruses mammals, a robust phylogenetic tree constructed, which shows many features characteristic synchronous development virus host lineages over timespans. It emerged that three distinct groupings exist: first containing with birds reptiles as natural hosts; second amphibians fish; third consisting single invertebrate herpesvirus. Within each two groups, genomes show clear evidence descent from common ancestor, but relationships between groups extremely remote. Detailed analyses capsid structures provide best for origin groups. At finer level, structure shell protein further suggests element tailed bacteriophages.