Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Characterization of p24 gene of Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus
Zhaofei Li1, Cuifeng Li, Lijing Pan
1State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou, 510275, P.R.China.
Abstract:
Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV) p24 gene is 753 bp long, potentially encoding 244 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 27.3 kDa. Homology analysis indicated that SpltMNPV P24 has 20-36% amino acid identity with that of other known baculoviruses. RT-PCR results showed that the p24 gene is transcribed actively at the late stage of infection and the mRNA start site was mapped within a consensus baculovirus late promoter sequence (ATAAG). Western blot analysis of extracts from SpltMNPV-infected S. litura cells detected a specific 28 kDa protein, and this protein was not N-glycosylated. Structural localization revealed that SpltMNPV P24 was associated with the nucleocapsid of occlusion-derived virus (ODV) as a complex form of 83 kDa.
Insights
The Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus p24 gene is transcribed late during infection. Its protein product is a non-glycosylated 28 kDa component associated with the virus nucleocapsid.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Virology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Baculoviruses are important insect pathogens.
- The Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV) is a significant pest control agent.
- Understanding viral gene function is crucial for baculovirus research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV) p24 gene and its protein product.
- To investigate the expression pattern and localization of the SpltMNPV P24 protein.
Main Methods:
- Gene sequencing and homology analysis.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for transcription analysis.
- Western blot for protein detection.
- Structural localization studies.
Main Results:
- The SpltMNPV p24 gene is 753 bp, encoding a potential 244 amino acid protein.
- Homology analysis revealed 20-36% amino acid identity with other baculovirus P24 proteins.
- RT-PCR confirmed late-stage transcription of the p24 gene, initiated from a late promoter (ATAAG).
- Western blot detected a specific 28 kDa non-glycosylated protein in infected cells.
- SpltMNPV P24 was localized to the nucleocapsid of occlusion-derived virus (ODV) as an 83 kDa complex.
Conclusions:
- The SpltMNPV p24 gene is actively transcribed late in infection.
- The P24 protein is a structural component of the SpltMNPV nucleocapsid.
- This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of SpltMNPV infection and replication.
