Unique and conserved features of Tula hantavirus M gene encoding envelope glycoproteins G1 and G2.

The sequence of the genomic M segment encoding the surface glycoproteins G1 and G2 of wild-type Tula hantavirus (TUL) has been determined. Analyses of M nucleotide sequences show that TUL is genetically distinct from other hantaviruses. Comparison to ten currently known hantavirus G1G2 amino acid sequences points out several, presumably functional, regions with substantial homology indicating a common ancestry and similar evolutionary pathways for all members of the Hantavirus genus.