Genome organization and mRNA structure of Periplaneta fuliginosa densovirus imply alternative splicing involvement in viral gene expression

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of an infectious clone of the cockroach small spherical virus (CSSV) genome. Analysis of the genome organization and the predicted viral protein sequences showed clearly that this virus should be classified as a new member of the subfamily Densovirinae, genus Densovirus, and should be designated as PfDNV. However, our data revealed some differences between the gene expression strategies used by PfDNV and other DNVs. An internal promoter, in addition to the promoter (p3) at the genome terminus, was observed at map unit 18 (p18), implying transcriptional regulation of generation of the nonstructural proteins of PfDNV. Furthermore, the structural analysis of cDNAs complementary to mRNAs from the region coding for structural proteins suggested alternative splicing and polyadenylation as means for generation of the structural proteins of PfDNV.