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Published on: September 13, 2018
Increased nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity induces white spot syndrome virus infection in Litopenaeus vannamei
Peng-Fei Liu1,2, Qing-Hui Liu1,3, Yin Wu2
1Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China.
Abstract:
Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK), which has the same sequence as oncoprotein (OP) in humans, can induce nucleoside triphosphates in DNA replication by maintenance of the deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP's) and is known to be regulated by viral infection in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. This paper describes the relationship between NDK and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. The recombinant NDK was produced by a prokaryotic expression system. WSSV copy numbers and mRNA levels of IE1 and VP28 were significantly increased in shrimp injected with recombinant NDK at 72 h after WSSV infection. After synthesizing dsRNA-NDK and confirming the efficacy of NDK silencing, we recorded the cumulative mortality of WSSV-infected shrimp injected with NDK and dsRNA-NDK. A comparison between the results demonstrated that silencing NDK delayed the death of shrimps. These findings indicate that NDK has an important role influencing the replication of WSSV replication in shrimp. Furthermore, NDK may have potential target as a new therapeutic strategy against WSSV infection in shrimp.
Insights
Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) promotes white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) replication in shrimp. Silencing NDK delays shrimp mortality, suggesting NDK as a potential therapeutic target against WSSV infection.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) is crucial for DNA replication and its regulation by viral infections is observed in shrimp.
- NDK shares sequence identity with human oncoprotein (OP).
- White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a significant pathogen in shrimp aquaculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NDK in WSSV infection in Litopenaeus vannamei.
- To explore the potential of NDK as a therapeutic target against WSSV.
Main Methods:
- Production of recombinant NDK using a prokaryotic expression system.
- Assessment of WSSV replication markers (copy number, IE1 and VP28 mRNA levels) after NDK injection.
- Silencing of NDK using synthesized dsRNA-NDK.
- Monitoring cumulative mortality in WSSV-infected shrimp under different treatments.
Main Results:
- Recombinant NDK injection significantly increased WSSV copy numbers and viral gene expression (IE1, VP28) at 72 hours post-infection.
- Silencing NDK using dsRNA-NDK demonstrably delayed shrimp mortality following WSSV infection.
- NDK plays a critical role in facilitating WSSV replication within shrimp.
Conclusions:
- NDK is implicated in enhancing WSSV replication in shrimp.
- Targeting NDK presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing WSSV outbreaks in shrimp populations.
