Nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the matrix protein of a recent measles virus isolate.

The sequence of the M gene of the Hu2 strain of measles virus has been determined. In the coding region of the gene, six nucleotide replacements had occurred with respect to the sequence of the M gene of the Edmonston strain. Two of these were silent and only four led to amino acid replacements in the protein sequence even though in SDS-PAGE the mobility of the protein would indicate an Mr increase of 2000. No changes were observed in the 5' untranslated regions of the gene. Two changes were observed in the 3' untranslated region of the gene. The sequences are compared to those recently published for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis viruses.