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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Corticoviridae
Hanna M Oksanen1, Ictv Report Consortium
1Department of Biosciences and Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
The Corticoviridae family includes viruses like Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2, which infect bacteria. These viruses uniquely possess lipids acquired from their host, a key feature in their classification.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Bacteriology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Corticoviridae is a viral family characterized by icosahedral structure and double-stranded DNA genomes.
- Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2 is the sole recognized species, infecting Gram-negative bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on Corticoviridae taxonomy.
- To highlight unique characteristics of Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2, including its lipid envelope.
Main Methods:
- Review and summarization of the ICTV report on Corticoviridae.
- Analysis of the structural and genomic features of Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2.
Main Results:
- Corticoviridae viruses are icosahedral with internal membranes and ~10 kb circular dsDNA genomes.
- Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2, isolated from seawater, is the first bacteriophage shown to contain lipids.
- Viral lipids are selectively incorporated from the host cytoplasmic membrane during assembly.
Conclusions:
- Pseudoalteromonas virus PM2 exhibits unique lipid acquisition, setting it apart in viral taxonomy.
- The structural and genomic data support the classification of Corticoviridae.
- Further research into lipid-containing bacteriophages is warranted.
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