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Characterization of a new apscaviroid from American persimmon
Takao Ito1, Koichi Suzaki, Masaaki Nakano
1Grape and Persimmon Research Station, National Institute of Fruit Tree Science (NIFTS), National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Akitsu, Hiroshima, 739-2494, Japan, itotaka@affrc.go.jp.
Abstract:
A unique circular molecule of 358 nucleotides was detected in American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.). The molecule was graft-transmissible and had genetic characteristics of members of the genus Apscaviroid. It had the highest sequence similarity (72-73 %) to citrus viroid VI (CVd-VI) and formed a clade with CVd-VI, citrus dwarfing viroid, and apple dimple fruit viroid in a phylogenetic tree. The molecule was not detected in citrus, unlike CVd-VI, which infects citrus and persimmon, and it was genetically distant from persimmon latent viroid, which infects persimmon only. The genetic and biological features indicated that the molecule may be a member of a new apscaviroid species.
Insights
A novel circular molecule found in American persimmon exhibits viroid-like characteristics. Genetic analysis suggests it may represent a new species within the Apscaviroid genus.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Virology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Viroids are small, circular, non-coding RNA molecules that replicate within host plants.
- The genus Apscaviroid includes several plant-pathogenic viroids, such as citrus viroid VI (CVd-VI).
- American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) can host various plant pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a unique circular RNA molecule detected in American persimmon.
- To determine the genetic and biological properties of this molecule.
- To ascertain its taxonomic relationship to known viroids.
Main Methods:
- Nucleic acid extraction and sequencing from infected persimmon tissues.
- Bioinformatic analysis for sequence similarity and phylogenetic reconstruction.
- Graft-transmission experiments to assess biological properties.
Main Results:
- A unique 358-nucleotide circular RNA molecule was identified in American persimmon.
- The molecule was graft-transmissible and showed genetic features of Apscaviroid genus members.
- Highest sequence similarity (72-73%) was to citrus viroid VI (CVd-VI), forming a distinct clade.
- The molecule was not detected in citrus, differentiating it from CVd-VI.
Conclusions:
- The detected molecule possesses distinct genetic and biological characteristics.
- It is proposed that this molecule represents a new species within the Apscaviroid genus.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate its pathogenicity and host range.
