Genetic Characterization of Two Novel Insect-Infecting Negative-Sense RNA Viruses Identified in a Leaf Beetle, <i>Aulacophora indica</i>
Meng-Nan Chen,
Zhuang-Xin Ye,
Ke-Hui Feng,
Jing-Na Yuan,
Jian-Ping Chen,
Chuan-Xi Zhang,
Jun-Min Li,
Qian-Zhuo Mao
Affiliations
Meng-Nan Chen
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Zhuang-Xin Ye
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Ke-Hui Feng
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jing-Na Yuan
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jian-Ping Chen
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Chuan-Xi Zhang
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jun-Min Li
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Qian-Zhuo Mao
State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Herbivorous insects harbor a variety of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) some of which are considered to be valuable biological agents for potential applications in biological defense and control strategies. Leaf beetles with chewing mouthparts are particularly known for their capacity to disrupt plant tissue while feeding, often creating openings that can act as entry points for plant pathogens. In this study, we have identified two new negative-sense RNA viruses infecting the leaf beetle Aulacophora indica, an important member of the Chrysomelidae family. These recently discovered viruses belong to the viral families Nyamiviridae and Chuviridae and have been preliminarily named Aulacophora indica nyami-like virus 1 (AINlV1) and Aulacophora indica chu-like virus 1 (AIClV1), respectively. The complete genomic sequences of these viruses were obtained using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. Detailed analysis of their genomic structures has confirmed their similarity to other members within their respective families. Furthermore, analysis of virus-derived small interfering RNA (vsiRNA) demonstrated a high abundance and typical vsiRNA pattern of AINlV1 and AIClV1, offering substantial evidence to support their classification as ISVs. This research enhances our understanding of viral diversity within insects.
