A novel mycovirus from Clitocybe odora

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Virology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Few mycoviruses are documented, primarily in cultivated or pathogenic fungi.
• Virus-like particles have been observed in wild mushrooms (basidiocarps), but sequences are lacking.
• Non-cultivated Agaricomycotina remain largely uncharacterized for viral presence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize viral sequences in non-cultivated fungi.
• To present a partial viral sequence from Clitocybe odora.
• To determine the phylogenetic placement and potential taxonomic novelty of the identified virus.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data from Clitocybe odora.
• Identification of open reading frames (ORFs) for putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP).
• Phylogenetic analysis and sequence homology comparisons with known mycoviruses.

Main Results:

• A partial viral sequence was identified in Clitocybe odora, containing ORFs for putative RdRp and CP.
• The RdRp sequence clusters with Tanathephorus cucumeris virus and Tuber aestivum mitovirus.
• Codon usage and non-translated region characteristics show similarities to Tanathephorus cucumeris virus, but a CP is present in the Clitocybe odora virus.

Conclusions:

• The identified viral sequence from Clitocybe odora represents a novel finding in non-cultivated Agaricomycotina.
• The virus exhibits characteristics distinct from previously described mycoviruses, suggesting a new viral taxon.
• Further research is needed to fully characterize this mycovirus and its ecological role.