Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Immunofluorescent Labeling of Plant Virus and Insect Vector Proteins in Hemipteran Guts
07:16

Immunofluorescent Labeling of Plant Virus and Insect Vector Proteins in Hemipteran Guts

Published on: May 14, 2021

Identification and characterization of a prawn white spot syndrome virus gene that encodes an envelope protein VP31

Li Li1, Xixian Xie, Feng Yang

  • 1Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Xiamen, P.R. China.

Virology
|July 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a 31 kDa protein (VP31) in the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) envelope. This VP31 protein is exclusively found in the viral envelope and may be crucial for WSSV infectivity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a significant pathogen in aquaculture.
  • Understanding the structural and functional components of WSSV is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize viral envelope proteins of WSSV.
  • To investigate the potential role of identified proteins in WSSV infectivity.

Main Methods:

  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometry were used for protein identification.
  • The identified protein's sequence was analyzed against the WSSV genome.
  • Recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli and antibody generation were performed.
  • Western blot analysis and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) were employed for protein localization.
  • Neutralization experiments were conducted to assess the protein's function.

Main Results:

  • A protein with an apparent molecular mass of 31 kDa, designated VP31, was identified in the purified WSSV envelope fraction.
  • The amino acid sequence of VP31 matched an open reading frame (WSV340) in the WSSV genome, encoding 261 amino acids.
  • Western blot and IEM confirmed that VP31 is exclusively localized to the WSSV envelope.
  • Neutralization experiments indicated a potential role for VP31 in WSSV infectivity.

Conclusions:

  • VP31 is a WSSV envelope protein with a potential role in viral infectivity.
  • Further studies on VP31 could lead to novel strategies for WSSV control in shrimp aquaculture.

More Related Videos

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods10:40

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods

Published on: December 21, 2019

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay05:15

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Published on: February 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Leaky Scanning02:28

Leaky Scanning

During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
Subviral Agents01:29

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...