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Multiple layers of chimerism in a single-stranded DNA virus discovered by deep sequencing
Mart Krupovic1, Ning Zhi2, Jungang Li2
1Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France krupovic@pasteur.fr.
Genome Biology and Evolution
|April 4, 2015
Summary
Newly discovered chimeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses reveal complex genome structures. These viruses exhibit gene combinations from RNA and DNA viruses, highlighting extensive horizontal gene transfer in viral evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses are significant pathogens across all domains of life.
- Viral metagenomics has recently identified a novel group of ssDNA viruses with chimeric genomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the genome sequence of a new chimeric ssDNA virus.
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and genetic makeup of this emerging virus group.
Main Methods:
- Viral metagenomics
- Genome sequencing
- Phylogenetic analysis
Main Results:
- A new ssDNA virus with a chimeric genome was identified.
- This virus combines capsid genes from positive-strand RNA viruses (e.g., tombusviruses) and replicative genes from ssDNA viruses (e.g., circoviruses, nanoviruses, geminiviruses).
- Replicative genes within these viruses are themselves chimeras of functional domains from different viral families.
Conclusions:
- Chimeric ssDNA viruses represent a complex evolutionary phenomenon.
- Horizontal gene transfer and genetic recombination are crucial drivers in the diversification and emergence of novel ssDNA viruses.
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