Identification and expression of white spot syndrome virus-encoded microRNAs in infected Penaeus monodon

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most devastating DNA virus that causes shrimp mortality worldwide. To better understand WSSV and Penaeus monodon interactions, WSSV-encoded microRNAs (wsv-miRs) were identified by small RNA cloning and next-generation sequencing. Ten wsv-miRs were identified and their expressions can be detected in WSSV-infected tissues only. These wsv-miRs and their flanking sequences can spontaneously form hairpin structure as predicted by Mfold. The expression profiles of 6 wsv-miRs increased dependent on time course of WSSV infection and slightly decreased after 48 hours WSSV challenge. The highest expression was wsv-miR-9 followed by miR-13 and -15. Computational prediction of the candidate targets of wsv-miRs revealed possible functions of wsv-miRs in the controlling of apoptosis, transcription and signaling. This finding provided insights into WSSV-host interaction.