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Comparisons of two large phaeoviral genomes and evolutionary implications
Nicolas Delaroque1, Wilhelm Boland, Dieter Gerhard Müller
1Max-Planck-lnstitut für Chemische Okologie, Beutenberg Campus, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, D-07745 Jena, Germany. ndelaroque@ice.mpg.de
Journal of Molecular Evolution
|January 28, 2004
Summary
Viral genome evolution reveals EsV-1 and FirrV-1 phaeoviruses share over 60% genes despite different orders, suggesting recombination and gene loss from a common ancestor. Their distinct gene sets point to random loss during separate evolutionary paths.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Phaeoviruses (EsV-1, FirrV-1) infect marine brown algae.
- These viruses exhibit similar morphology and latent infection cycles.
- Viral genome evolution is a significant area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare sequences of EsV-1 and FirrV-1 viral genomes.
- Investigate gene content and order differences.
- Infer evolutionary pathways and mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics of EsV-1 and FirrV-1.
- Sequence analysis to identify shared and unique genes.
- Analysis of gene order and potential recombinational events.
Main Results:
- EsV-1 and FirrV-1 share over 60% of their genes.
- Gene order differs substantially between the two genomes.
- Distinct, overlapping sets of genes for signal transduction and replication were identified.
- Over one-third of genes in each genome lack counterparts in the other.
Conclusions:
- Extensive recombination and large deletions shaped phaeovirus evolution from a common ancestor.
- Random gene loss likely explains the divergent gene repertoires.
- The ancestral phaeovirus may have originated from a cellular organism invading brown algae.
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