Regulation of Junonia coenia densovirus P9 promoter expression.

Transcriptional activity of the Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDNV) P9 promoter depends on a 557-bp sequence located within the overlapping 3' sequences for viral capsid and nonstructural genes. Utilizing a somatic transformation assay to assess JcDNV promoter activity in Drosophila melanogaster and Plodia interpunctella, viral sequences were subjected to deletional analysis. Removal of a 685-bp fragment reduced P9-driven expression to background levels. Inclusion of a second expression cassette demonstrated vector persistence and confirmed somatic transformation. P9 promoter-driven expression was restored by insertion of a 557-bp JcDNV fragment or by inclusion of a heterologous baculovirus hr5 enhancer. Consensus polycomb transcriptional factor binding sites were identified within the 557-bp fragment, which suggests a potential role in regulating densoviral transcription.