CONSTRUCTION OF A FULL-LENGTH cDNA CLONE OFCALICIVIRUS GENOME AND TRANSCRIPTION OF RNA

Aim: To construct a full - length cDNA clone of feline calicivirus (FCV) and transcribe infectious RNA from the engineered cDNA, as the model and vector for the researeh of human caIicivirus. MethodS: The clone was construct-ed in a transcription vector by assembly of 3 overlapping PCR fragments, viral RNA was transcribed from the cDNA and tran-fected into Crandell Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells. Results: The full - length cIone of FCV was constructed. The RNA was transcribed in vitro and transfected into the CRFK cells successfully. The supernatants of culture were infectious to fresh cells and caused the cells ill and cytolysis. Conclusion: The engineered system of FCV should open the way for genetic manipu-lation and biological analysis of the calicivirus genome.