Potential secondary and tertiary structure in the genomic RNA of foot and mouth disease virus

Abstract

The nucleotide sequence of the 5′ untranslated region of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), serotype A10 has been determined. This completes the first total genomic sequence for any one serotype of FMDV. Analysis of the sequence to the 3' side of the poly (C) tract reveals the presence of a 24 nucleotide repeated motif which has homologies with a sequence located upstream of the transcriptional initiation site from several mammalian fibrinogen genes. The function of this element 1n FMDV is unclear. However, computer analysis of this region predicts the presence of a high degree of secondary and tertiary structure in which these repeats form an important part. The implications of these predictions are discussed. © 1987 IRL Press Limited, Oxford, England.