Genome segment S8 of grass carp hemorrhage virus encodes a virion protein

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome segment S8 of grass carp hemorrhage virus (GCHV) was determined from cDNA corresponding to the viral genomic RNA. It is 1,287 nucleotides in length and contains a large open reading frame that could encode a protein of 409 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 44 kD. The S8 was expressed using the pET fusion protein vector and detected by Western blotting analysis using the chicken egg IgY against intact GCHV particles, indicating that S8 encodes a virion protein. Amino acid sequence comparisons revealed that the protein encoded by S8 is closely related to protein alpha2 of mammalian reovirus, suggesting that the deduced protein of S8 is an inner capsid protein. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.