Baculovirus gene regulation

Baculoviruses are lethal insect viruses, with a large genome (> 100 kb). Their replication involves two transcriptional phases separated by DNA replication. Early gene transcription is mediated by the cellular RNA polymerase II whereas late transcription is driven by a virus specific RNA polymerase. Description of this new -amanitin resistant ARN polymerase, is yet partial. Virus gene expression is regulated mainly at the transcription level. At the end of the cycle, two proteins, polyhedrin, the major component of inclusion bodies and P10, are highly produced. In the last years, as a consequence of the highly efficient synthesis of those two proteins, foreign protein expression systems have been developed.