Microbial virus genome annotation-mustering the troops to fight the sequence onslaught

The revolution in virus genome sequencing promises to effectively map the extant biological universe and reveal fundamental relationships between viral biology, genome structure, and evolution. Indeed, microbial virus genomes include large numbers of conserved coding sequences of unknown function as well as unique gene combinations, implying that that these viruses will be a significant source of novel protein biochemistry and genome architecture. Yet, making sense of the approaching phalanx of A's, G's, T's, and C's stretching across the genome sequencing horizon will require innovation and an unprecedented coordination of annotation efforts among stakeholders.