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Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Published on: August 26, 2020
Molecular and biological characterization of deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)
Gaetana Lanzi1, Joachim R de Miranda, Maria Beatrice Boniotti
1Reparto di Biologia Moleculare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lombardia e Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy 25124-I.
Abstract:
Deformed wing virus (DWV) of honeybees (Apis mellifera) is closely associated with characteristic wing deformities, abdominal bloating, paralysis, and rapid mortality of emerging adult bees. The virus was purified from diseased insects, and its genome was cloned and sequenced. The genomic RNA of DWV is 10,140 nucleotides in length and contains a single large open reading frame encoding a 328-kDa polyprotein. The coding sequence is flanked by a 1,144-nucleotide 5' nontranslated leader sequence and a 317-nucleotide 3' nontranslated region, followed by a poly(A) tail. The three major structural proteins, VP1 (44 kDa), VP2 (32 kDa), and VP3 (28 kDa), were identified, and their genes were mapped to the N-terminal section of the polyprotein. The C-terminal part of the polyprotein contains sequence motifs typical of well-characterized picornavirus nonstructural proteins: an RNA helicase, a chymotrypsin-like 3C protease, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The genome organization, capsid morphology, and sequence comparison data indicate that DWV is a member of the recently established genus Iflavirus.
Insights
Deformed wing virus (DWV) severely impacts honeybees, causing wing deformities and mortality. Sequencing revealed DWV is an Iflavirus, aiding in understanding bee disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Apiculture
Background:
- Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a significant pathogen affecting honeybees (Apis mellifera).
- DWV infection leads to severe symptoms including wing deformities, paralysis, and high mortality rates in adult bees.
- Understanding the viral genome is crucial for developing control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genome of Deformed wing virus (DWV).
- To determine the genetic makeup and structural proteins of DWV.
- To classify DWV within existing viral genera based on genomic data.
Main Methods:
- Purification of DWV from infected honeybees.
- Cloning and sequencing of the DWV genomic RNA.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the viral genome and protein sequences.
Main Results:
- The DWV genome is 10,140 nucleotides with a single open reading frame encoding a 328-kDa polyprotein.
- Identified three major structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3) and nonstructural protein motifs (RNA helicase, protease, polymerase).
- Genomic organization and sequence analysis confirm DWV belongs to the Iflavirus genus.
Conclusions:
- DWV possesses a genome structure characteristic of Iflaviruses.
- The identified viral proteins provide insights into DWV replication and pathogenesis.
- Classification of DWV as an Iflavirus aids in understanding its relationship to other insect viruses.
