Identification and expression of white spot syndrome virus-encoded microRNAs in infected Penaeus monodon

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most devastating DNA virus that causes shrimp mortality worldwide. To better understand WSSV and Penaeus monodon interactions, WSSV-encoded microRNAs (wsv-miRs) were identified by small RNA cloning and next-generation sequencing. Ten wsv-miRs were identified and their expressions can be detected in WSSV-infected tissues only. These wsv-miRs and their flanking sequences can spontaneously form hairpin structure as predicted by Mfold. The expression profiles of 6 wsv-miRs increased dependent on time course of WSSV infection and slightly decreased after 48 hours WSSV challenge. The highest expression was wsv-miR-9 followed by miR-13 and -15. Computational prediction of the candidate targets of wsv-miRs revealed possible functions of wsv-miRs in the controlling of apoptosis, transcription and signaling. This finding provided insights into WSSV-host interaction.