The structure and function of a gene encoding a basic peptide from prawn white spot syndrome virus

Prawn white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the major pathogen responsible fo r the high mortality of cultured prawns. A gene (termed as p6.8) encoding a basic peptide was found by screening the cDNA and DNA libraries of WSSV. T he peptide was highly homologous with proteins rich in arginine and lysine. A fusion protein containing the p6.8 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) g enes was cloned into pBV220 and expressed in E. coli. Gel mobility shift as say indicated that the peptide encoded by p6.8 had the capability of bindin g DNA and might be involved in DNA packaging. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.