The detection of single-stranded RNA in an isometric virus-like particle from Shiitake mushroom [Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing.]

Isometric virus-like particles (VLPs) with diameter of approximately 34 nm containing ss-RNA were purified from abnormal mycelium of Shiitake mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing. SDS-polyacrylamide gel elec-trophoresis demonstrated that the virions contain a single capsid polypeptide with molecular weight of about 22 000 daltons. The nucleic acid extract from purified VLPs preparations showed only one band with a size of approximately 7.3 kilobases. The susceptibility to RNase 1 and S1 digestions, resistance to DNase and thermal denaturation behaviour of the viral genome indicated that it is a single-stranded RNA. To our knowledge, isometric single-stranded RNA VLPs isolated from Shiitake mushroom mycelia have not been reported before.