Complete nucleotide sequence of the 22 kDa coat protein of Andean Potato Mottle Virus

Andean Potato Mottle Virus (APMV), an endemic South American comovirus, with host range mostly limited to the Solanaceae, is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. The RNA genome consists of two molecules (5.6 kb and 3.5 kb), separately encapsulated into isometric particles, composed of two coat proteins (CPs) (42 and 22 kDa). We have performed cDNA synthesis and molecular cloning of both APMV genomic RNAs. From the minor RNA, we have obtained a number of overlapping clones. One clone with 1.7 kb insert was characterized in detail. Sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of a long open reading frame and a 3' poly(A) tail. Although the 5' end of the ORF is still missing, we could identify by comparison with the related Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV) the full coding region of the 22 kDa APMV coat protein.