Abstract
The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and capsid (VP1) genes of 51 GII.2 human norovirus (HuNoV) strains collected during the period of 2004–2015 in Japan were analyzed. Full-length analyses of the genes were performed using next-generation sequencing. Based on the gene sequences, we constructed the time-scale evolutionary trees by Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Time-scale phylogenies showed that the RdRp and VP1 genes evolved uniquely and independently. Four genotypes of GII.2 (major types: GII.P2-GII.2 and GII.P16-GII.2) were detected. A common ancestor of the GII.2 VP1 gene existed until about 1956. The evolutionary rates of the genes were high (over 10−3 substitutions/site/year). Moreover, the VP1 gene evolution may depend on the RdRp gene. Based on these results, we hypothesized that transfer of the RdRp gene accelerated the VP1 gene evolution of HuNoV genotype GII.2. Consequently, recombination between ORF1 (polymerase) and ORF2 (capsid) might promote changes of GII.2 antigenicity.
Highlights
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a major causative agent of gastroenteritis in humans (Green, 2013)
Infectious Gastroenteritis. [cited 4th April 2017, in Japanese])2 Importantly, human norovirus (HuNoV) genogroup II (GII).2 emerged as a major cause of this outbreak in Japan, the GII.4 strains were the most prevalent genotype during the past 10 years
To gain insight into this process, we examined the molecular evolution of the GII.2
Summary
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a major causative agent of gastroenteritis in humans (Green, 2013). The HuNoV genogroup II (GII), in particular, is frequently detected in outbreaks. Nearly 3 million cases of NoV gastroenteritis have been recorded, and Japan was experiencing its second most serious norovirus outbreak during November 2016 to February 2017 [cited 4th April 2017, in Japanese]) Importantly, HuNoV GII. emerged as a major cause of this outbreak in Japan, the GII. strains were the most prevalent genotype during the past 10 years Most studies have focused on the molecular evolution of HuNoV GII.. A few examined that gene in other HuNoV genotypes, including GII.. RdRp and VP1 genes, including chimera viruses, based on the full genome analyses of those detected in Japan over a period of 10 years (2004–2015 seasons) To gain insight into this process, we examined the molecular evolution of the GII. RdRp and VP1 genes, including chimera viruses, based on the full genome analyses of those detected in Japan over a period of 10 years (2004–2015 seasons)
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