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Potyviridae: genus Rymovirus
K R Zagula1, C L Niblett, N L Robertson
1Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
Abstract:
The genus Rymovirus of the family Potyviridae is comprised of seven rod-shaped viruses with the shared characteristic of being transmitted by mites. Aside from this distinguishing feature, rymoviruses are similar to aphid-transmitted potyviruses in that they share a similar particle morphology, some similar antigenic determinants, similar physico-chemical properties, the ability to induce the formation of cytoplasmic cylindrical inclusions, and the ability to infect only graminaceous hosts. In vitro translation studies with wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) suggest that this rymovirus uses a potyviral proteolytic processing strategy to express the 3' terminal capsid protein. At the molecular level, limited nucleotide sequence data for WSMV show similarities with aphid-transmitted potyviruses in the potyviral capsid protein, large nuclear inclusion and cylindrical inclusion regions. Thus, given the similarities between the rymoviruses and the potyviruses, it is appropriate to include this genus within the family Potyviridae.
Insights
Rymoviruses, mite-transmitted plant viruses, share key traits with aphid-transmitted potyviruses. Molecular and biological similarities support their inclusion in the Potyviridae family.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Virus Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Rymovirus comprises seven rod-shaped viruses transmitted by mites.
- Rymoviruses exhibit similarities to aphid-transmitted potyviruses in morphology, antigenicity, and host range (graminaceous plants).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and biological characteristics of rymoviruses.
- To determine the taxonomic placement of the genus Rymovirus within the family Potyviridae.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of biological and physicochemical properties.
- In vitro translation studies of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV).
- Limited nucleotide sequence analysis of WSMV.
Main Results:
- Rymoviruses share cytoplasmic cylindrical inclusions and infect only graminaceous hosts, similar to potyviruses.
- WSMV utilizes a potyviral proteolytic processing strategy for capsid protein expression.
- Sequence data for WSMV reveals similarities in capsid protein, nuclear inclusion, and cylindrical inclusion regions with potyviruses.
Conclusions:
- The distinct characteristics of rymoviruses, alongside their molecular and biological similarities to potyviruses, justify their classification within the family Potyviridae.