Figure 1

Genomic organization of RHDV. The genome of RHDV is composed of two narrowly overlapping ORFs, ORF1 and ORF2. ORF1 codes for a polyprotein that is cleaved by the virus-encoded trypsin-like cysteine protease (arrowheads) and originates the major structural protein for the capsid (VP60) and the non-structural proteins p16, p23, helicase, p29, VPg, protease and RdRp. ORF2 codes for a minor structural protein, VP10. A subgenomic mRNA encoding both the structural proteins VP60 and VP10 can also be found in viral particles. Both the genomic and subgenomic RNA are polyadenylated at their 3'end and have the virus-encoded protein, VPg, covalently attached to their 5' end.