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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
Published on: May 26, 2013
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The microviridae: Diversity, assembly, and experimental evolution.
Sarah M Doore1, Bentley A Fane1
1School of Plant Sciences and the BIO5 Institute University of Arizona, 1657 E. Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Virology
|February 14, 2016
Summary
The Microviridae family of bacteriophages are divided into two groups based on scaffolding proteins. Assembly mechanisms are key to their evolution and species diversity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Microviridae are single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), icosahedral bacteriophages.
- They serve as a model for studying viral assembly and evolution.
- The family is broadly divided into two groups based on scaffolding protein requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary pathways within the Microviridae family.
- To understand the role of scaffolding proteins in viral assembly.
- To explore the factors governing adaptation and species boundaries in bacteriophages.
Main Methods:
- In silico evolutionary analyses using chimeric viruses and proteins.
- In vivo evolutionary analyses using chimeric viruses and proteins.
Main Results:
- Identified two main groups of Microviridae based on single or double scaffolding protein systems.
- Demonstrated that double scaffolding systems can evolve into single and triple scaffolding systems.
- Assembly mechanisms were identified as critical factors in adaptation and maintaining species boundaries.
Conclusions:
- Viral assembly is a crucial driver of Microviridae evolution.
- Scaffolding protein systems play a significant role in the diversification of bacteriophages.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into broader viral evolution and speciation.
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