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The polyhedrin gene promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus was analysed with respect to which sequences are required upstream of the mRNA transcription initiation (CAP) site for efficient promoter activity. Insertions (8, 95 and 785 nucleotides) were made in this region at an EcoR V site between the CAAT- and TATA-like boxes. When these mutations were introduced into the virus they did not affect the activity of the polyhedrin promoter as judged by expression of the beta-galactosidase (lacZ) gene inserted in lieu of the polyhedrin coding sequences. Deletions were made in the promoter which progressively removed sequences upstream from the CAP site. Removal of the TATA motif did not affect lacZ gene expression. A sequence 69 nucleotides upstream to the normal position of the polyhedrin ATG translation initiation codon was sufficient for maximum promoter activity but this was reduced by 90% when only 56 nucleotides upstream remained. The normal CAP site was utilized by each deletion mutant. Promoter activity was undetectable when the CAP site was deleted. The results are discussed in relation to other eukaryotic promoters.

A functional chitinase gene (chiA) has been identified in the genome of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV). It is expressed in the late phase of virus replication in insect cells. High levels of both endo- and exochitinase activity were detected by 12 hr p.i. and remained stable throughout infection. An AcMNPV chiA protein-specific antibody was prepared using recombinant material prepared in bacteria. This was used to demonstrate that a product of approximately 58 kDa was synthesised in virus-infected cells. Immunofluorescence analysis of virus-infected cells showed that most chitinase was located in the cytoplasm. Primer extension analysis of mRNA from AcMNPV-infected cells confirmed that transcription initiated from a baculovirus late start site (TAAG), 14 nucleotides upstream from the putative translation initiation codon. The predicted protein sequence of the AcMNPV chiA shares extensive sequence similarity with chitinases from bacteria and, in particular, the Serratia marcescens chitinase A (60.5% identical residues). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that AcMNPV, or an ancestral baculovirus, acquired the chitinase gene from a bacterium via horizontal gene transfer.

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