Authors : Hua Tang, Xin-Sheng Liu, Yu-Zhen Fang, Li Pan, Zong-Wang Zhang, Peng Zhou, Jian-Liang Lv, Shou-Tian Jiang, Yong-Lu Wang and Yong-Guang Zhang
Abstract: The Z-curve is a geometrical tool for visualizing and comparing genomes. Since, the curve contains the information carried by the given sequence, DNA sequences could be analyzed systematically. In this study, the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) was analyzed by the Z-curve Method. This research concludes that all serotypes FMDV have a close consanguinity but each has its own characteristic by contrast, the three South African serotypes have a much closer affinity. FMDV have three A + T-rich regions and two G + C-rich regions. The most variable regions of FMDV lie in protein coding areas. And the non-coding region is very conservative. O serotype FMDV is most variable compared with A and Asia1 serotype. Those O serotype FMDV in buffalo and goat have a mutation trend. Compared with host, geographic location have a grater influence on FMDV mutation. The A serotype FMDV strains occurred in India after 2002 are more stable and have a closer phylogenetic relationships compared with the Asia1 strains which were prevalent before 2002. In general, Z-curve Method shows a widely application prospect in the areas of life sciences. Such as gene sequence, molecular epidemiology, homology, evolution, phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity analysis.
Hua Tang, Xin-Sheng Liu, Yu-Zhen Fang, Li Pan, Zong-Wang Zhang, Peng Zhou, Jian-Liang Lv, Shou-Tian Jiang, Yong-Lu Wang and Yong-Guang Zhang, 2012. Geometrical Study on FMDV Genome Based on Z-Curve. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 2630-2640.