Characterization of the RNA Transcription Profile of Bombyx mori Bidensovirus.

Rui Li,Peng Lü,Keping Chen,Qian Yu,Qin Yao,Pengfei Chang,Zhaoyang Hu

doi:10.3390/v11040325

Abstract

Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus from the genus Bidensovirus of the Bidnaviridae family, which, thus far, solely infects insects. It has a unique genome that contains bipartite DNA molecules (VD1 and VD2). In this study, we explored the detailed transcription mapping of the complete BmBDV genome (VD1 and VD2) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and luciferase assays. For the first time, we report the transcription map of VD2. Our mapping of the transcriptional start sites reveals that the NS genes in VD1 have separate transcripts that are derived from overlapping promoters, P5 and P5.5. Thus, our study provides a strategy for alternative promoter usage in the expression of BmBDV genes.

Highlights

Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) is a unique bipartite DNA virus that currently represents the only species in the genus Bidensovirus of the Bidnaviridae family [1]
Each gene corresponding to a full-length cDNA band, except for nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), is indicated
Two bands were detected in lane 6 (NS3)

Summary

Introduction

Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) is a unique bipartite DNA virus that currently represents the only species in the genus Bidensovirus of the Bidnaviridae family [1]. BmBDV has a non-enveloped, spherical, icosahedral structure, 20–24 nm in diameter, and packages a linear single-stranded DNA molecule from the VD1 VD2 contains two ORFs, encoding a nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) [3] and a minor capsid structural protein (P133) [10]. NS1 is a multifunctional protein, which is similar to the NS1 protein in parvoviruses, likely possesses activities involving ATPases, site-specific DNA binding, endonucleases, and helicases [6,11]. It is essential for various processes associated with virus replication [12]

Methods

Results

Conclusion