Transcriptional analysis of the ribonucleotide reductase genes of shrimp white spot syndrome virus

M. F. Tsai, C. F. Lo, M. C W Van Hulten, H. F. Tzeng, C. M. Chou, C. J. Huang, C. H. Wang, J. Y. Lin, J. M. Vlak, G. H. Kou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS) is a large double-stranded DNA virus, WSSV, which is probably a representative of a new genus, provisionally called Whispovirus. From previously constructed WSSV genomic libraries of a Taiwan WSSV isolate, clones with open reading frames (ORFs) that encode proteins with significant homology to the class I ribonucleotide reductase large (RR1) and small (RR2) subunits were identified. WSSV rr1 and rr2 potentially encode 848 and 413 amino acids, respectively. RNA was isolated from WSSV-infected shrimp at different times after infection and Northern blot analysis with rr1- and rr2-specific riboprobes found major transcripts of 2.8 and 1.4 kb, respectively. 5' RACE showed that the major rr1 transcript started at a position of -84 (C) relative to the ATG translational start, while transcription of the rr2 gene started at nucleotide residue -68 (T). A consensus motif containing the transcriptional start sites for rr1 and rr2 was observed (TCAc/tTC). Northern blotting and RT-PCR showed that the transcription of rr1 and rr2 started 4-6 h after infection and continued for at least 60 h. The rr1 and rr2 genes thus appear to be WSSV 'early genes'. (C) 2000 Academic Press.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-99
Number of pages8
JournalVirology
Volume277
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 10 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Penaeus monodon
  • Ribonucleotide reductase gene
  • Taiwan WSSV isolate
  • Transcription analysis
  • White spot syndrome virus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transcriptional analysis of the ribonucleotide reductase genes of shrimp white spot syndrome virus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this