Characterization of an early gene (wsv477) from shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the most virulent pathogens causing high mortality in shrimp. The viral early genes play a key role in DNA replication and virus proliferation. In this study, a WSSV gene (wsv477) encoding 208 amino acid peptides was characterized as an early gene. The temporal analysis showed that the wsv477 gene was first transcribed at 4 h post-infection, suggesting that it was an early gene. The wsv477 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Subsequently the specific antibody was raised using the purified fusion protein (GST-WSV477). Western blot revealed that the wsv477 gene was expressed at 6 h post-infection in vivo. As indicated by GTP-binding assay, the WSV477 protein had GTP-binding activity.