Work

An Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus-encoded microRNA, AcMNPV-miR-5, downregulates the expression of viral gene ac66

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Four Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) have been characterized previously. Here, we report the fifth AcMNPV-encoded miRNA, AcMNPV-miR-5 (Ac-miR-5), which downregulates the viral gene ac66. Target genes were predicted through sequence analysis and validated using luciferase reporter assays. The regulatory effects of Ac-miR-5 on ac66 expression were assessed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blot. The impact of Ac-miR-5 overexpression on virus infection was analysed by TCID50 assay and quantitative real-time PCR in Sf9 cells. The results showed that Ac-miR-5 downregulates ac66 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Meanwhile, the budded virion production and DNA replication were decreased. Furthermore, microscopy revealed a decrease in the number of polyhedra formed. These findings suggest that Ac-miR-5 overexpression restricts viral load, potentially contributing to the establishment of a stable viral infection within the host cell.

Source: Journal of General Virology

DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.002155

Authors: Tingkai Teng, Zhuowen Duan, Ang Li, Jinwen Wang

Institution: Sun Yat-sen University

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infectious Diseases and Gene Expression in Insects

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China