Regulatory mechanism of viperin in the interferon signaling pathway of large yellow croaker: Characterization of the promoter region

Viperin (Virus inhibitory protein, endoplasmic reticulum-associated, IFN-inducible) is a broad-spectrum antiviral protein widely involved in vertebrate innate immune regulation. This study cloned the 5′ flanking promoter region (2010 bp) of the viperin gene (named as LcViperin) in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and analyzed its promoter characteristics through bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results indicated that the LcViperin promoter region contains two TATA boxes and several critical transcription factor binding sites, including interferon-stimulated response elements (ISREs), GATA-binding factor 1 (GATA1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), and signal transduction and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Promoter region truncation experiments in HEK 293 T cells further confirmed that the core promoter region is located between −331 and − 121 bp. LcViperin overexpression significantly activated IRF3, IRF7, and IFN1 promoters in a dose-dependent manner. Domain deletion experiments demonstrated that the N-terminal and SAM (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) domains play key roles in promoter activation. Additionally, co-transfection with LcViperin and IRAK1 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1, named as LcIRAK1) significantly enhanced IRF3, IRF7, and IFN1 promoter activity. This study reveals the regulatory characteristics of the large yellow croaker viperin promoter and its role in the interferon signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for understanding its immune regulatory mechanism and improving disease resistance in large yellow croaker. It also offers a scientific basis for understanding viperin regulation and its application in disease prevention in aquaculture.