Mapping and sequencing of a gene from myxoma virus that is related to those encoding epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha.

Myxoma virus, a Leporipoxvirus and agent of myxomatosis, was shown to possess a gene with the potential to encode an epidermal growth factorlike factor. Its relationship to other members of this family, including the poxvirus growth factors from Shope fibroma virus and vaccinia virus, was analyzed. Alignment of DNA sequences and related open reading frames of myxoma virus and Shope fibroma virus indicated colinearity of genes between these poxviruses.