Zika virus is a positive, single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus. Zika virus is one of the Flaviviridae family. Zika virus infection transmitted by mosquitoes is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children. Infection in pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus and newborn. It also results in pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

The RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) is an essential enzyme for the virus and is an attractive drug target. The viral RdRp assay is based on detection of RNA synthesis by the RdRp enzyme.  The assay can be performed in a 384-well or 96-well plate format for tests of the enzyme activities of RNA polymerases in the Flaviviridae family and high throughput screening of inhibitors. 

For SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase (RdRp) assay, please click here.

The Zika Virus RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Assay Kit Plus-100 (Catalog No. ZRPA100KE) includes 350 µl of 10 x Buffer, 350 µl of 10 x MnCl₂,  33 µl of 100 x Template, 33 µl of 100 x NTP, 31 µl of 100 x Zika virus RdRp and 330 µl of 10 x fluorescence dye. It is for 100 assays of virus RNA polymerase in a 384-well plate format.

The Viral (Flavivirus) RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Assay Kit – 100 (Catalog No.VRT100K) includes 350 µl of 10 x Buffer, 350 µl of 10 x MnCl₂, 33 µl of 100 x Template, 33 µl of 100 x NTPs (50 mM ATP and 50 mM GTP) and 330 µl of 10 x fluorescence dye. It is for 100 assays of virus RNA polymerase in a 384-well plate format. The assay kit includes all reagents except the enzyme.   

The Viral ((Flavivirus) RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Assay Kit – 500 (Catalog No.VRT500K) includes 1550 µl of 10 x Buffer, 1550 µl of 10 x MnCl₂, 160 µl of 100 x Template, 160 µl of 100 x NTPs (50 mM ATP and 50 mM GTP) and 1550 µl of 10 x fluorescence dye. It is for 500 assays of virus RNA polymerase in a 384-well plate format. The assay kit includes all reagents except the enzyme.   

References:                             

1. Shu Yang et al, Emetine inhibits Zika and Ebola virus infections through two molecular mechanisms: inhibiting viral replication and decreasing viral entry, Cell Discovery, Volume 4,  Article number: 31 (05 June 2018).

2. Chen H et al, Antiviral activity of lycorine against Zika virus in vivo and in vitro. Virology, Volume 546, Pages 88-97 (2020).