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Cedratvirus lausannensis - digging into Pithoviridae diversity
Claire Bertelli1,2, Linda Mueller1, Vincent Thomas3
1Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Environmental Microbiology
|June 16, 2017
Summary
Scientists discovered Cedratvirus lausannensis, a giant virus infecting amoeba. This virus has unique features and a large genome, expanding our understanding of giant virus diversity and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Giant viruses, particularly those infecting amoeba, are of significant scientific interest due to their unusual characteristics.
- These viruses challenge existing biological dogma with their large genomes and novel particle structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery and characterization of a novel amoeba-infecting virus, Cedratvirus lausannensis.
- To investigate its morphology, replication, and genomic features.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of the virus from Acanthamoeba castellanii.
- Electron microscopy for particle morphology.
- Genome sequencing and comparative analysis.
- Replication studies in various host cell types.
Main Results:
- Cedratvirus lausannensis possesses a unique amphora-shaped particle (0.75-1 µm) with striped plugs.
- It replicates exclusively in Acanthamoeba castellanii, causing cell lysis within 24 hours.
- The virus is resistant to ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and heat.
- Its 575,161 bp AT-rich genome encodes 643 proteins, confirming its placement within the Pithoviridae family.
- Unlike Pithovirus, its genome is largely devoid of repeats, suggesting a potential selfish element origin for Pithovirus repeats.
Conclusions:
- Cedratvirus lausannensis is a novel member of the Megavirales, specifically within the Pithoviridae family.
- Its discovery highlights the global distribution of Pithoviridae.
- The genomic characterization provides insights into the evolution of giant viruses and their unique genetic elements.
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