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A new picorna-like virus, PnPV, isolated from ficus transparent wing moth, Perina nuda (Fabricius)
1Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 107, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Abstract:
Two viruses, Perina nuda nucleopolyhedrovirus and a new picorna-like virus, were previously isolated from P. nuda larvae with flacherie. In this study the new picorna-like virus was characterized using physical and biochemical methods. This small virus appears to belong to the family Picornaviridae and we propose the name PnPV. PnPV can be propagated in its homogenous cell line, NTU-PN-HH. PnPV purified from the cell line resembles PnPV isolated from insects: under electron microscopy, it exhibits icosahedral symmetry, measures 30 nm in diameter, and has no envelope and no distinct surface structure in negatively stained preparations. In addition, we show here that PnPV has a buoyant density of 1.381 g/ml in cesium chloride, the viral genome was composed of one single-stranded RNA molecule with a length of 10 kb, and poly(A) tract and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified viral particles revealed three major (31.5, 29.7, and 28.4 kDa) and three minor (27. 0, 24.5, and 4.0 kDa) structural proteins.
Insights
This study characterizes a novel picorna-like virus, PnPV, isolated from Perina nuda larvae. PnPV, belonging to the Picornaviridae family, was propagated in cell culture and its physical and biochemical properties were detailed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Perina nuda larvae can be infected by viruses, including Perina nuda nucleopolyhedrovirus and a previously isolated picorna-like virus.
- Flacherie disease in P. nuda is associated with viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the physical and biochemical properties of the newly isolated picorna-like virus from P. nuda.
- To propose a name and classification for this novel virus.
- To establish a cell line for PnPV propagation.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy for structural analysis.
- Cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation.
- RNA extraction and analysis (size, poly(A) tract).
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for protein analysis.
Main Results:
- The virus, named PnPV (P. nuda picorna-like virus), belongs to the Picornaviridae family.
- PnPV was successfully propagated in a homogenous cell line (NTU-PN-HH).
- Purified PnPV particles are non-enveloped, icosahedral (30 nm diameter), with a buoyant density of 1.381 g/ml.
- The viral genome is a single-stranded RNA molecule of approximately 10 kb with a poly(A) tract.
- PAGE revealed three major (31.5, 29.7, 28.4 kDa) and three minor (27.0, 24.5, 4.0 kDa) structural proteins.
Conclusions:
- PnPV is a distinct member of the Picornaviridae family, characterized by its physical and biochemical properties.
- The established cell line provides a valuable tool for further research on PnPV.
- Detailed characterization aids in understanding viral pathogenesis and developing control strategies for P. nuda infections.