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Genome comparison of two Coccolithoviruses
Michael J Allen1, Declan C Schroeder, Andrew Donkin
1Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK. mija@pml.ac.uk
Virology Journal
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Researchers sequenced the EhV-163 virus, a relative of EhV-86 that infects Emiliania huxleyi. This study identified conserved and variable genes, plus a gene insertion in EhV-163, aiding genome re-annotation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Marine microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- The Coccolithoviridae is a newly identified virus family.
- These viruses infect the marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi.
- This study follows the initial sequencing of the type strain EhV-86.
Purpose of the Study:
- To sequence the genome of a second Coccolithoviridae strain, EhV-163.
- To compare the genomes of EhV-86 and EhV-163.
- To identify genetic variations and aid in genome annotation.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of EhV-163.
- Bioinformatic analysis of viral genomes.
- Comparative genomics.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of the EhV-163 genome was sequenced.
- Over 200 complete coding sequences (CDSs) were identified.
- Conserved and variable CDSs were found, along with a gene replacement between strains.
- A gene insertion specific to EhV-163 was identified.
Conclusions:
- The EhV-163 genome sequence provides valuable data for understanding Coccolithoviridae diversity.
- This information will facilitate the re-annotation of the EhV-86 genome.
- The identification of genetic differences highlights viral evolution within the family.
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