Proteomic analysis of Singapore grouper iridovirus envelope proteins and characterization of a novel envelope protein VP088

Characterization of an envelope protein 118L in invertebrate iridescent virus 6 (IIV6)

Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 (IIV6) is a nucleocytoplasmic insect virus and a member of the family Iridoviridae. The IIV6 genome consists of 212,482 bp of linear dsDNA with 215 non-overlapping and putative protein-encoding ORFs. The IIV6 118L ORF is conserved in all sequenced members of the Iridoviridae and encodes a 515 amino acid protein with three predicted transmembrane domains and several N-glycosylation/N-myristoylation sites. In this study, we characterized the 118L ORF by both deleting it from the viral genome and silencing its expression with dsRNA in infected insect cells. The homologous recombination method was used to replace 118L ORF with the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene. Virus mutants in which the 118L gene sequence had been replaced with gfp were identified by fluorescence microscopy but could not be propagated separately from the wild-type virus in insect cells. Unsuccessful attempts to isolate the mutant virus with the 118L gene deletion suggested that the protein is essential for virus replication. To support this result, we used dsRNA to target the 118L gene and showed that treatment resulted in a 99% reduction in virus titer. Subsequently, we demonstrated that 118L-specific antibodies produced against the 118L protein expressed in the baculovirus vector system were able to neutralize the virus infection. All these results indicate that 118L is a viral envelope protein that is required for the initiation of virus replication.

Singapore grouper iridovirus VP128 inhibits STING-TBK1 mediated signaling to evade antiviral immunity

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) belongs to the family Iridoviridae and the genus Ranavirus, which is a large cytoplasmic DNA virus. Infection of grouper with SGIV can cause hemorrhage and swelling of the spleen of the fish. Previous work on genome annotation demonstrated that SGIV contained numerous uncharacterized or hypothetical open reading frames (ORFs), whose functions remained largely unknown. In the present study, the protein encoded by SGIV ORF128 (VP128) was identified. VP128 is predominantly localized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Overexpression of VP128 significantly promoted SGIV replication. VP128 inhibited the interferon (IFN)-3 promoter activity and mRNA level of IFN-related genes induced by poly(I:C), Epinephelus coioides cyclic GMP/AMP synthase (EccGAS)/stimulator of IFN genes (EcSTING), and TANK-binding kinase 1 (EcTBK1). Moreover, VP128 interacted with EcSTING and EcTBK1. The interaction between VP128 and EcSTING was independent of any specific structural domain of EcSTING. Together, our results demonstrated that SGIV VP128 negatively regulated the IFN response by inhibiting EcSTING-EcTBK1 signaling for viral evasion.

Dissecting the early and late endosomal pathways of Singapore grouper iridovirus by single-particle tracking in living cells

Iridoviruses are large DNA viruses that infect a wide range of invertebrates and lower vertebrates, causing serious threats to ecological security and aquaculture industry worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying intracellular transport of iridovirus remain unknown. In this study, the transport of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) in early endosomes (EEs) and late endosomes (LEs) was explored by single-particle tracking technology. SGIV employs EEs to move rapidly from the cell membrane to the nucleus, and this long-range transport is divided into "slow-fast-slow" stages. SGIV within LEs mainly underwent oscillatory movements near the nucleus. Furthermore, SGIV entered newly formed EEs and LEs, respectively, possibly based on the interaction between the viral major capsid protein and Rab5/Rab7. Importantly, interruption of EEs and LEs by the dominant negative mutants of Rab5 and Rab7 significantly inhibited the movement of SGIV, suggesting the important roles of Rab5 and Rab7 in virus transport. In addition, it seems that SGIV needs to enter clathrin-coated vesicles to move from actin to microtubules before EEs carry the virus moving along microtubules. Together, our results for the first time provide a model whereby iridovirus transport depending on EEs and LEs, helping to clarify the mechanism underlying iridovirus infection, and provide a convenient tactic to investigate the dynamic infection of large DNA virus.

Singapore grouper iridovirus VP122 targets grouper STING to evade the interferon immune response

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a highly pathogenic Iridoviridae that causes hemorrhage and spleen enlargement in grouper. Despite previous genome annotation efforts, many open reading frames (ORFs) in SGIV remain uncharacterized, with largely unknown functions. In this study, we identified the protein encoded by SGIV ORF122, now referred to as VP122. Notably, overexpression of VP122 promoted SGIV replication. Moreover, VP122 exhibited antagonistic effects on the natural antiviral immune response through the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. It specifically inhibited the cGAS-STING-triggered transcription of various immune-related genes, including IFN1, IFN2, ISG15, ISG56, PKR, and TNF-α in GS cells. Additionally, VP122 significantly inhibited the activation of the ISRE promoter mediated by EccGAS and EcSTING but had no effect on EccGAS or EcSTING alone. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting experiments revealed that VP122 specifically interacts with EcSTING but not EccGAS. Notably, this interaction between VP122 and EcSTING was independent of any specific domain of EcSTING. Furthermore, VP122 inhibited the self-interaction of EcSTING. Interestingly, VP122 did not affect the recruitment of EcTBK1 and EcIRF3 to the EcSTING complex. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SGIV VP122 targets EcSTING to evade the type I interferon immune response, revealing a crucial role for VP122 in modulating the host-virus interaction.

Complete Genome Sequences and Pathogenicity Analysis of Two Red Sea Bream Iridoviruses Isolated from Cultured Fish in Korea

In Korea, red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV), especially subtype II, has been the main causative agent of red sea bream iridoviral disease since the 1990s. Herein, we report two Korean RSIV isolates with different subtypes based on the major capsid protein and adenosine triphosphatase genes: 17SbTy (RSIV mixed subtype I/II) from Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) and 17RbGs (RSIV subtype II) from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). The complete genome sequences of 17SbTy and 17RbGs were 112,360 and 112,235 bp long, respectively (115 and 114 open reading frames [ORFs], respectively). Based on nucleotide sequence homology with sequences of representative RSIVs, 69 of 115 ORFs of 17SbTy were most closely related to subtype II (98.48–100% identity), and 46 were closely related to subtype I (98.77–100% identity). In comparison with RSIVs, 17SbTy and 17RbGs carried two insertion/deletion mutations (ORFs 014R and 102R on the basis of 17SbTy) in regions encoding functional proteins (a DNA-binding protein and a myristoylated membrane protein). Notably, survival rates differed significantly between 17SbTy-infected and 17RbGs-infected rock breams, indicating that the genomic characteristics and/or adaptations to their respective original hosts might influence pathogenicity. Thus, this study provides complete genome sequences and insights into the pathogenicity of two newly identified RSIV isolates classified as a mixed subtype I/II and subtype II.

Fish Pathology Research and Diagnosis in Aquaculture of Farmed Fish; a Proteomics Perspective

One of the main constraints in aquaculture production is farmed fish vulnerability to diseases due to husbandry practices or external factors like pollution, climate changes, or even the alterations in the dynamic of product transactions in this industry. It is though important to better understand and characterize the intervenients in the process of a disease outbreak as these lead to huge economical losses in aquaculture industries. High-throughput technologies like proteomics can be an important characterization tool especially in pathogen identification and the virulence mechanisms related to host-pathogen interactions on disease research and diagnostics that will help to control, prevent, and treat diseases in farmed fish. Proteomics important role is also maximized by its holistic approach to understanding pathogenesis processes and fish responses to external factors like stress or temperature making it one of the most promising tools for fish pathology research.

The interactome of Singapore grouper iridovirus protein ICP18 as revealed by proximity-dependent BioID approach

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus that is a major threat to grouper aquaculture. The pathogenesis of SGIV is not well understood so far. Previous studies have revealed that ICP18, an immediate early protein encoded by SGIV ORF086R gene, promotes viral replication by regulating cell proliferation and virus assembly. In the present study, the potential functions of ICP18 were further explored by probing into its interactors using a proximity-dependent BioID method. Since our in-house grouper embryonic cells (a natural host cell of SGIV) could not be efficiently transfected with the plasmid DNA, and the grouper genome data for mass spectrometry-based protein identification is not currently available, we chosen a non-permissive cell (HEK293 T) as a substitute for this study. A total of 112 cellular proteins that potentially bind to ICP18 were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Homology analysis showed that among these identified proteins, 110 candidate ICP18-interactors had homologous proteins in zebrafish (a host of SGIV), and shared high sequence identity. Further analysis revealed that the identified ICP18-interacting proteins modulate various cellular processes such as cell cycle and cell adhesion. In addition, the interaction between ICP18 and its candidate interactor, i.e., cyclin-dependent kinase1 (CDK1), was confirmed using Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Pull-down assays. Collectively, our present data provides additional insight into the biological functions of ICP18 during viral infection, which could help in further unraveling the pathogenesis of SGIV.

Ranaviruses Bind Cells from Different Species through Interaction with Heparan Sulfate

Ranavirus cross-species infections have been documented, but the viral proteins involved in the interaction with cell receptors have not yet been identified. Here, viral cell-binding proteins and their cognate cellular receptors were investigated using two ranaviruses, Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV) and Rana grylio virus (RGV), and two different cell lines, Chinese giant salamander thymus cells (GSTC) and Epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. The heparan sulfate (HS) analog heparin inhibited plaque formation of ADRV and RGV in the two cell lines by more than 80% at a concentration of 5 μg/mL. In addition, enzymatic removal of cell surface HS by heparinase I markedly reduced plaque formation by both viruses and competition with heparin reduced virus-cell binding. These results indicate that cell surface HS is involved in ADRV and RGV cell binding and infection. Furthermore, recombinant viral envelope proteins ADRV-58L and RGV-53R bound heparin-Sepharose beads implying the potential that cell surface HS is involved in the initial interaction between ranaviruses and susceptible host cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying cell surface HS as ranavirus binding factor and furthers understanding of interactions between ranaviruses and host cells.

Rana grylio virus 43R encodes an envelope protein involved in virus entry

Rana grylio virus (RGV), a member of genus Ranavirus in the family Iridoviridae, is a viral pathogen infecting aquatic animal. RGV 43R has homologues only in Ranavirus and contains a transmembrane (TM) domain, but its role in RGV infection is unknown. In this study, 43R was determined to be associated with virion membrane. The transcripts encoding 43R and the protein itself appeared late in RGV-infected EPC cells and its expression was blocked by viral DNA replication inhibitor, indicating that 43R is a late expressed protein. Subcellular localization showed that 43R-EGFP fusion protein distributed in cytoplasm of EPC cells and that TM domain is essential for its distribution in cytoplasm. 43R-EGFP fusion protein colocalized with viral factories in RGV-infected cells. A recombinant RGV deleting 43R (Δ43R-RGV) was constructed by homologous recombination to investigate its role in virus infection. Compared with wild type RGV, the ability of Δ43R-RGV to induce the cytopathic effect and its virus titers were significantly reduced. Furthermore, it is revealed that 43R deletion significantly inhibited viral entry but did not influence viral DNA replication by measuring and comparing the DNA levels of RGV and Δ43R-RGV in the infected cells at the early stage of infection. RGV neutralization with anti-43R serum reduced the virus titer. Therefore, these data showed that RGV 43R is a late gene that encodes an envelope protein involved in RGV entry.

A 32 kDa viral attachment protein of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) specifically interacts with a 27.8 kDa cellular receptor from flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

The 27.8 kDa protein in flounder gill (FG) cells was previously proved to be a receptor specific for lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) entry and infection. In this paper, a 32 kDa viral attachment protein (VAP) of LCDV specifically binding to the 27.8 kDa receptor (27.8R) was found by far-Western blotting coupled with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against 27.8R. The 32 kDa protein was confirmed to be encoded by the open reading frame (ORF) 038 gene in LCDV-C, and predicted to contain a putative transmembrane region, multiple N-myristoylation and glycosylation sites and phosphorylation motifs. The expression plasmid of pET-32a-ORF038 was constructed and the recombinant VAP (rVAP) was obtained. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the rVAP were prepared and could recognize the rVAP and 32 kDa protein in LCDV. Immunogold electron microscopy showed that the 32 kDa protein was located on the surface of LCDV particles. Immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that the rVAP could bind to the 27.8R on the cell membrane of the FG monolayer and the anti-27.8R MAbs could block the rVAP binding. Pre-incubation of the rVAP with FG cells before LCDV infection, or pre-incubation of LCDV with the antibodies against the rVAP, could significantly decrease the LCDV copy numbers (P<0.05) and delay the emergence of cytopathic effects in FG cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated for the first time that the 32 kDa protein functioned as an attachment protein for the initial attachment and entry of LCDV, and the interaction of the 32 kDa VAP with the 27.8R-initiated LCDV infection.

Singapore grouper iridovirus protein VP088 is essential for viral infectivity

Viral infection is a great challenge in healthcare and agriculture. The Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is highly infectious to numerous marine fishes and increasingly threatens mariculture and wildlife conservation. SGIV intervention is not available because little is known about key players and their precise roles in SGVI infection. Here we report the precise role of VP088 as a key player in SGIV infection. VP088 was verified as an envelope protein encoded by late gene orf088. We show that SGIV could be neutralized with an antibody against VP088. Depletion or deletion of VP088 significantly suppresses SGIV infection without altering viral gene expression and host responses. By precisely quantifying the genome copy numbers of host cells and virions, we reveal that VP088 deletion dramatically reduces SGIV infectivity through inhibiting virus entry without altering viral pathogenicity, genome stability and replication and progeny virus release. These results pinpoint that VP088 is a key player in SGIV entry and represents an ideal target for SGIV intervention.

Subcellular redistribution and sequential recruitment of macromolecular components during SGIV assembly

Virus infection consists of entry, synthesis of macromolecular components, virus assembly and release. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying each event is necessary for the intervention of virus infection in human healthcare and agriculture. Here we report the visualization of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) assembly in the medaka haploid embryonic stem (ES) cell line HX1. SGIV is a highly infectious DNA virus that causes a massive loss in marine aquaculture. Ectopic expression of VP88GFP, a fusion between green fluorescent protein and the envelope protein VP088, did not compromise the ES cell properties and susceptibility to SGIV infection. Although VP88GFP disperses evenly in the cytoplasm of non-infected cells, it undergoes aggregation and redistribution in SGIV-infected cells. Real-time visualization revealed multiple key stages of VP88GFP redistribution and the dynamics of viral assembly site (VAS). Specifically, VP88GFP entry into and condensation in the VAS occurred within a 6-h duration, a similar duration was observed also for the release of VP88GFP-containing SGIV out of the cell. Taken together, VP088 is an excellent marker for visualizing the SGIV infection process. Our results provide new insight into macromolecular component recruitment and SGIV assembly.

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against a late gene encoded by grouper iridovirus 64L

Viral envelope proteins play important roles in viral infection and assembly. The grouper iridovirus ORF 64L (GIV-64L) was predicted to encode an envelope protein and was conserved in all sequenced Ranaviruses. In this study, the complete nucleotide sequence of the GIV-64L gene (1215 bp) was cloned into the isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction prokaryotic expression vector pET23a. The approximately 50.2 kDa recombinant GIV-64L-His protein was induced, purified and used as an immunogen to immunize BALB/c mice. Three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), all IgG1 class antibodies against GIV-64L protein, were produced by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed GIV-64L to be a late gene when expressed in grouper kidney cells during GIV infection with cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis) or cytosine arabinoside (an inhibitor of DNA synthesis) present. Finally, one of the established mAbs, GIV-64L-mAb-17, was used in Western blotting and an immunofluorescence assay, which showed that GIV-64L protein was expressed at 24 h post-infection and localized only in the cytoplasm in GIV-infected cells, packed into a whole virus particle. The presently characterized GIV-64L mAbs should have widespread applications in GIV immunodiagnostics and other research, and these results should offer important insights into the pathogenesis of GIV.

Identification and characterization of a late gene encoded by grouper iridovirus 2L (GIV-2L)

Grouper iridovirus (GIV) belongs to the Ranavirus genus and is one of the most important viral pathogens in grouper, particularly at the fry and fingerling stages. In this study, we identified and characterized the GIV-2L gene, which encodes a protein of unknown function. GIV-2L is 1242 bp in length, with a predicted protein mass of 46.2 kDa. It displayed significant identity only with members of the Ranavirus and Iridovirus genera. We produced mouse monoclonal antibodies against the GIV-2L protein by immunizing mice with GIV-2L-His-tag recombinant protein. By inhibiting de novo protein and DNA synthesis in GIV-infected cells, we showed that GIV-2L was a late gene during the viral replication. Finally, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that GIV-2L protein accumulated in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of infected cells. These results offer important insights into the pathogenesis of GIV.

Identification and characterization of a late gene of grouper iridovirus 61l and antibody production against the protein encoded by it

In this study, a late gene encoded by grouper iridovirus, giv-61L, was identified and classified, and mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were raised against this protein. Giv-61L homologues were found only in the genus Ranavirus. Three mAbs to Giv-61L protein were produced. In drug inhibition assays, giv-61L was identified as a late gene. Finally, GIV-61L-mAb-8 was used in western blotting and immunofluorescence assays to demonstrate that Giv-61L protein was included in the GIV particle, expressed at 18 h, and localized only in the cytoplasm of GIV-infected cells. The results of this study provide insight into GIV pathogenesis and GIV-61L-mAbs will have broad applications in GIV immunodiagnostics.

Ultrafast Tracking of a Single Live Virion During the Invagination of a Cell Membrane

The first step in most viral infections is the penetration of the cell membrane via endocytosis. However, the underlying mechanism of this important process has not been quantitatively characterized; for example, the velocity and force of a single virion during invagination remain unknown. Here, the endocytosis of a single live virion (Singapore grouper iridovirus, SGIV) through the apical membranes of a host cell is monitored by developing and using a novel ultrafast (at the microsecond level) tracking technique: force tracing. For the first time, these results unambiguously reveal that the maximum velocity during the cell entry of a single SGIV by membrane invagination is approximately 200 nm s(-1), the endocytic force is approximately 60.8 ± 18.5 pN, and the binding energy density increases with the engulfment depth. This report utilizing high temporospatial resolution (subnanometer and microsecond levels) approaches provides new insight into the dynamic process of viral infection via endocytosis and the mechanism of membrane invagination at the single-particle level.

Monoclonal antibody against a putative myristoylated membrane protein encoded by grouper iridovirus 59L gene

Groupers (Epinephelus spp.) are economically important fish species worldwide, and ranaviruses are major viral pathogens causing heavy economic losses in grouper aquaculture. In this study, the 59L gene of grouper iridovirus (GIV-59L) was cloned and characterized. This gene is 1521 bp and encodes a protein of 506 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 53.9 kDa. Interestingly, GIV-59L and its homologs are found in all genera of the family Iridoviridae. A mouse monoclonal antibody specific for the C-terminal domain (amino acid positions 254-506) of the GIV-59L protein, GIV-59L(760-1518)-MAb-21, was produced and proved to be well suited for use in a number of GIV immunoassays. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and cycloheximide and cytosine arabinoside drug inhibition analyses indicated that GIV-59L is a viral late gene in GIV-infected grouper kidney cells. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that GIV-59L protein mainly accumulates in the cytoplasm of infected cells and is finally packed into a whole virus particle. The GIV-59L(760-1518)-MAb-21 characterized in this study could have widespread application in GIV immunodiagnostics and other research on GIV. In addition, the results presented here offer important insights into the pathogenesis of GIV.

Animal board invited review: advances in proteomics for animal and food sciences

Animal production and health (APH) is an important sector in the world economy, representing a large proportion of the budget of all member states in the European Union and in other continents. APH is a highly competitive sector with a strong emphasis on innovation and, albeit with country to country variations, on scientific research. Proteomics (the study of all proteins present in a given tissue or fluid - i.e. the proteome) has an enormous potential when applied to APH. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons and in contrast to disciplines such as plant sciences or human biomedicine, such potential is only now being tapped. To counter such limited usage, 6 years ago we created a consortium dedicated to the applications of Proteomics to APH, specifically in the form of a Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, termed FA1002--Proteomics in Farm Animals: www.cost-faproteomics.org. In 4 years, the consortium quickly enlarged to a total of 31 countries in Europe, as well as Israel, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. This article has a triple purpose. First, we aim to provide clear examples on the applications and benefits of the use of proteomics in all aspects related to APH. Second, we provide insights and possibilities on the new trends and objectives for APH proteomics applications and technologies for the years to come. Finally, we provide an overview and balance of the major activities and accomplishments of the COST Action on Farm Animal Proteomics. These include activities such as the organization of seminars, workshops and major scientific conferences, organization of summer schools, financing Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and the generation of scientific literature. Overall, the Action has attained all of the proposed objectives and has made considerable difference by putting proteomics on the global map for animal and veterinary researchers in general and by contributing significantly to reduce the East-West and North-South gaps existing in the European farm animal research. Future activities of significance in the field of scientific research, involving members of the action, as well as others, will likely be established in the future.

Entry of a novel marine DNA virus, Singapore grouper iridovirus, into host cells occurs via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis in a pH-dependent manner

Iridoviruses are nucleocytoplasmic DNA viruses which cause great economic losses in the aquaculture industry but also show significant threat to global biodiversity. However, a lack of host cells has resulted in poor progress in clarifying iridovirus behavior. We investigated the crucial events during virus entry using a combination of single-virus tracking and biochemical assays, based on the established virus-cell infection model for Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). SGIV infection in host cells was strongly inhibited when cells were pretreated with drugs blocking clathrin-mediated endocytosis, including sucrose and chlorpromazine. Inhibition of key regulators of macropinocytosis, including Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, Rac1 GTPase, p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), protein kinase C (PKC), and myosin II, significantly reduced SGIV uptake. Cy5-labeled SGIV particles were observed to colocalize with clathrin and macropinosomes. In contrast, disruption of cellular cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin and nystatin had no effect on virus infection, suggesting that SGIV entered grouper cells via the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway and macropinocytosis but not via caveola-dependent endocytosis. Furthermore, inhibitors of endosome acidification such as chloroquine and bafilomycin A1 blocked virus infection, indicating that SGIV entered cells in a pH-dependent manner. In addition, SGIV particles were observed to be transported along both microtubules and actin filaments, and intracellular SGIV motility was remarkably impaired by depolymerization of microtubules or actin filaments. The results of this study for the first time demonstrate that not only the clathrin-dependent pathway but also macropinocytosis are involved in fish DNA enveloped virus entry, thus providing a convenient tactic for exploring the life cycle of DNA viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Virus entry into host cells is critically important for initiating infections and is usually recognized as an ideal target for the design of antiviral strategies. Iridoviruses are large DNA viruses which cause serious threats to ecological diversity and the aquaculture industry worldwide. However, the current understanding of iridovirus entry is limited and controversial. Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a novel marine fish DNA virus which belongs to genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae. Here, using single-virus tracking technology in combination with biochemical assays, we investigated the crucial events during SGIV entry and demonstrated that SGIV entered grouper cells via the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway in a pH-dependent manner but not via caveola-dependent endocytosis. Furthermore, we propose for the first time that macropinocytosis is involved in iridovirus entry. Together, this work not only contributes greatly to understating iridovirus pathogenesis but also provides an ideal model for exploring the behavior of DNA viruses in living cells.

Rana grylio virus (RGV) envelope protein 2L: subcellular localization and essential roles in virus infectivity revealed by conditional lethal mutant

Rana grylio virus (RGV) is a pathogenic iridovirus that has resulted in high mortality in cultured frog. Here, an envelope protein gene, 2L, was identified from RGV and its possible role in virus infection was investigated. Database searches found that RGV 2L had homologues in all sequenced iridoviruses and is a core gene of iridoviruses. Western blotting detection of purified RGV virions confirmed that 2L protein was associated with virion membrane. Fluorescence localization revealed that 2L protein co-localized with viral factories in RGV infected cells. In co-transfected cells, 2L protein co-localized with two other viral envelope proteins, 22R and 53R. However, 2L protein did not co-localize with the major capsid protein of RGV in co-transfected cells. Meanwhile, fluorescence observation showed that 2L protein co-localized with endoplasmic reticulum, but did not co-localize with mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. Moreover, a conditional lethal mutant virus containing the lac repressor/operator system was constructed to investigate the role of RGV 2L in virus infection. The ability to form plaques and the virus titres were strongly reduced when expression of 2L was repressed. Therefore, the current data showed that 2L protein is essential for virus infection. Our study is the first report, to our knowledge, of co-localization between envelope proteins in iridovirus and provides new insights into the understanding of envelope proteins in iridovirus.

Characterization of an envelope gene VP19 from Singapore grouper iridovirus

Background

Viral envelope proteins are always proposed to exert important function during virus infection and replication. Vertebrate iridoviruses are enveloped large DNA virus, which can cause great economic losses in aquaculture and ecological destruction. Although numerous iridovirus envelope proteins have been identified using bioinformatics and proteomic methods, their roles in virus infection remained largely unknown.

Methods

Using SMART and TMHMM programs, we investigated the structural characteristics of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) VP19. A specific antibody against VP19 was generated and the expression profile of VP19 was clarified. The subcellular localization of VP19 in the absence or presence of other viral products was determined via transfection and immune fluorescence assay. In addition, Western blot assay and electron microscopy examination were performed to demonstrate whether SGIV VP19 was an envelope protein or a capsid protein.

Results

Here, SGIV VP19 was cloned and characterized. Among all sequenced iridoviruses, VP19 and its orthologues shared common features, including 19 invariant cysteines, a proline-rich motif and a predicted transmembrane domain. Subsequently, the protein synthesis of VP19 was only detected at the late stage of SGIV infection and inhibited obviously by treating with AraC, confirming that VP19 was a late expressed protein. Ectopic expression of EGFP-VP19 in vitro displayed a punctate pattern in the cytoplasm. In SGIV infected cells, the newly synthesized VP19 protein was initially localized in the cytoplasm in a punctate pattern, and then aggregated into the virus assembly site at the late stage of SGIV infection, suggesting that other viral protein products were essential for VP19’s function during SGIV infection. In addition, Western blot assay and electron microscopy observation revealed that SGIV VP19 was associated with viral envelope, which was different from major capsid protein (MCP).

Conclusion

Taken together, the current data suggested that VP19 represented a conserved envelope protein in iridovirus, and might contribute greatly to virus assembly during virus infection.

Complete genome sequence and transcription profiles of the rock bream iridovirus RBIV-C1

The family Iridoviridae consists of 5 genera of double-stranded DNA viruses, including the genus Megalocytivirus, which contains species that are important fish pathogens. In a previous study, we isolated the first rock bream iridovirus from China (RBIV-C1) and identified it as a member of the genus Megalocytivirus. In this report, we determined the complete genomic sequence of RBIV-C1 and examined its in vivo expression profiles. The genome of RBIV-C1 is 112333 bp in length, with a GC content of 55% and a coding density of 92%. RBIV-C1 contains 4584 simple sequence repeats, 89.8% of which are distributed among coding regions. A total of 119 potential open reading frames (ORFs) were identified in RBIV-C1, including the 26 core iridovirus genes; 41 ORFs encode proteins that are predicted to be associated with essential biological functions. RBIV-C1 exhibits the highest degree of sequence conservation and colinear arrangement of genes with orange-spotted grouper iridovirus (OSGIV) and rock bream iridovirus (RBIV). The pairwise nucleotide identities are 99.49% between RBIV-C1 and OSGIV and 98.69% between RBIV-C1 and RBIV. Compared to OSGIV, RBIV-C1 contains 11 insertions, 13 deletions, and 103 single nucleotide mutations. Whole-genome transcription analysis showed that following experimental infection of rock bream with RBIV-C1, all but 1 of the 119 ORFs were expressed at different time points and clustered into 3 hierarchical groups based on their expression patterns. These results provide new insights into the genetic nature and gene expression features of megalocytiviruses.

Microorganisms in cryopreserved semen and culture media used in the in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)

Commercial cattle breeders produce their own herd offspring for the dairy and beef market using artificial insemination. The procedure involves sanitary risks associated with the collection and commercialization of the germplasm, and the in vitro production and transfer of the bovine embryos must be monitored by strict health surveillance. To avoid the spreading of infectious diseases, one must rely on using controlled and monitored germplasm, media, and reagents that are guaranteed free of pathogens. In this article, we investigated the use of a new mass spectrometric approach for fast and accurate identification of bacteria and fungi in bovine semen and in culture media employed in the embryo in vitro production process. The microorganisms isolated from samples obtained in a commercial bovine embryo IVP setting were identified in a few minutes by their conserved peptide/protein profile, obtained applying matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), matched against a commercial database. The successful microorganisms MS identification has been confirmed by DNA amplification and sequencing. Therefore, the MS technique seems to offer a powerful tool for rapid and accurate microorganism identification in semen and culture media samples.

PROTEOMICS in aquaculture: applications and trends

Over the last forty years global aquaculture presented a growth rate of 6.9% per annum with an amazing production of 52.5 million tonnes in 2008, and a contribution of 43% of aquatic animal food for human consumption. In order to meet the world's health requirements of fish protein, a continuous growth in production is still expected for decades to come. Aquaculture is, though, a very competitive market, and a global awareness regarding the use of scientific knowledge and emerging technologies to obtain a better farmed organism through a sustainable production has enhanced the importance of proteomics in seafood biology research. Proteomics, as a powerful comparative tool, has therefore been increasingly used over the last decade to address different questions in aquaculture, regarding welfare, nutrition, health, quality, and safety. In this paper we will give an overview of these biological questions and the role of proteomics in their investigation, outlining the advantages, disadvantages and future challenges. A brief description of the proteomics technical approaches will be presented. Special focus will be on the latest trends related to the aquaculture production of fish with defined nutritional, health or quality properties for functional foods and the integration of proteomics techniques in addressing this challenging issue.