Nucleotide sequence of the matrix, fusion and putative SH protein genes of mumps virus and their deduced amino acid sequences.

cDNA clones representing the M, F and a putative SH gene of the SBL strain of mumps virus have been prepared and their nucleotide sequence determined. The M gene of mumps virus appears to contain 1253 nucleotides and codes for a protein of 375 amino acid residues (Mr 41,589). The protein is hydrophobic and the deduced amino acid sequence shows homologies with those of other paramyxoviruses. The F gene of the SBL strain was compared to that of the RW strain [Waxham et al. (1987) Virology 159, 381-388]. The F gene is 1727 nucleotides long and codes for a protein of 538 amino acids (Mr 58,789). There are substantial variations between the F gene sequences of various mumps virus strains. The F gene is followed by a small (315 nt) transcription unit which contains an open reading frame of 57 amino acids encoding a very hydrophobic protein (Mr 6712). This may be similar to the SH gene of SV5, although there appears to be no sequence homology between the SV5 SH protein and the putative SH protein of mumps virus. A physical and transcription map of mumps virus indicates the gene order to be 3'-N-P-M-F-SH-HN, similar to that of other paramyxoviruses and SV5 in particular.