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Mimivirus

J M Claverie1, C Abergel, H Ogata

  • 1Structural and Genomic Information Laboratory, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Case 934 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France. Jean-Michel.Claverie@univmed.fr

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|February 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus, a giant DNA virus, possesses a large genome encoding over 900 proteins, including translation machinery components. This discovery challenges our understanding of viral evolution and the origins of eukaryotic cells.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus (Mimivirus) is a large DNA virus belonging to the Mimiviridae family.
  • Its large particle size and complex genome initially led to its misclassification as a bacterium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on Mimivirus.
  • To discuss the implications of Mimivirus's unique genetic features on viral evolution and the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic sequencing and analysis.
  • Comparative genomics with other large DNA viruses.
  • Postgenomic studies on Mimivirus physiology.

Main Results:

  • Mimivirus has a 1.2-Mb genome encoding over 900 proteins, including four aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
  • It possesses components of the protein translation apparatus, typically found in cellular organisms.
  • Phylogenetic analysis places Mimivirus close to other nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Mimivirus's genetic complexity challenges traditional definitions of viruses.
  • Its unique features provide insights into the evolution of DNA viruses and the emergence of eukaryotic cells.
  • Ongoing postgenomic research continues to unravel the physiology of this complex virus.

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