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Updated: May 11, 2026
Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes
Published on: July 27, 2018
Complete genomic sequences and comparative analysis of Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated in Korea
Jae Bang Choi1, Won Il Heo, Tae Young Shin
1Department of Agricultural Biology, College of Agriculture, Life and Environment Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus-K1 (MabrNPV-K1) was isolated from naturally infected M. brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Korea. The full genome sequences of MabrNPV-K1 were determined, analysed and compared to those of other baculoviruses. The MabrNPV-K1 genome consisted of 152,710 bp and had an overall G + C content of 39.9%. Computer-assisted analysis predicted 158 open reading frames (ORFs) of 150 nucleotides or greater that showed minimal overlap. Two inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) and six baculovirus repeated ORFs were interspersed in the MabrNPV-K1 genome. The unique MabrNPV-K1 ORF133 was identified in the MabrNPV-K1 genome that was not previously reported in baculoviruses. The gene content and arrangement in MabrNPV-K1 had the highest similarity with those of Helicoverpa armigera MNPV (HearMNPV) and Mamestra configurata NPV-B (MacoNPV-B), and their shared homologous genes were 99% collinear. The MabrNPV-K1 genome contained four homologous repeat regions (hr1, hr2, hr3 and hr4) that accounted for 3.3% of the genome. The genomic positions of the four MabrNPV-K1 hr regions were conserved among those of HearMNPV and MacoNPV-B. The gene parity plot, percent identity of the gene homologues and a phylogenetic analysis suggested that these three viruses are closely related not only to each other but also to the same virus strains rather than different virus species.
Insights
A new Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus-K1 (MabrNPV-K1) was identified in Korea. Genomic analysis reveals high similarity to HearMNPV and MacoNPV-B, suggesting they are closely related virus strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Baculoviruses are significant pathogens of insects, with nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) being extensively studied for their potential as biopesticides.
- Mamestra brassicae is an economically important pest in agriculture, and understanding its viral pathogens is crucial for integrated pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel nucleopolyhedrovirus from Mamestra brassicae larvae in Korea.
- To determine the complete genome sequence of MabrNPV-K1 and compare it with other known baculoviruses.
- To identify unique genetic features and assess the phylogenetic relationship of MabrNPV-K1 within the Baculoviridae family.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus-K1 (MabrNPV-K1) from infected larvae.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the MabrNPV-K1 genome.
- Comparative genomic analysis with related baculoviruses, including gene content, arrangement, and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- The MabrNPV-K1 genome is 152,710 bp with a G+C content of 39.9%, containing 158 predicted open reading frames (ORFs).
- A unique ORF, MabrNPV-K1 ORF133, was identified, not previously reported in other baculoviruses.
- MabrNPV-K1 shares high genomic similarity (99% collinearity) and conserved homologous repeat regions with Helicoverpa armigera MNPV (HearMNPV) and Mamestra configurata NPV-B (MacoNPV-B).
Conclusions:
- MabrNPV-K1 represents a distinct isolate of Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus.
- The high genomic collinearity and conserved features suggest a close evolutionary relationship between MabrNPV-K1, HearMNPV, and MacoNPV-B, potentially indicating they belong to the same virus strain.
- This finding contributes to understanding baculovirus diversity and evolution, with implications for biopesticide development.
