TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION, AND CELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF PDV-E66 - A STRUCTURAL PROTEIN OF THE PDV ENVELOPE OF AUTOGRAPHA-CALIFORNICA NUCLEAR POLYHEDROSIS-VIRUS

A late gene encoding a 66-kDa structural protein of Autographa califor nica nuclear polyhedrosis virus was mapped and sequenced (26.9-29.7 MU ). Transcription initiates from two conserved TAAG motifs(-15 and -37) with transcripts detected from 12 to 72 hr pi. The protein is detecte d in infected Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells from 24 to 72 hr pi. W estern-blot and immunoelectron microscopic data identify this protein as specific for the polyhedra-derived virus (PDV) envelope. This prote in has been named PDV-E66 to identify its viral origin, envelope locat ion, and apparent molecular weight. In addition to being a structural protein of the PDV envelope, PDV-E66 is enriched in foci of microvesic les in the nuclei of infected Sf9 cells. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.