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Ancient Evolution of Mammarenaviruses: Adaptation via Changes in the L Protein and No Evidence for Host-Virus
Diego Forni1, Chiara Pontremoli1, Uberto Pozzoli1
1Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
Abstract:
The Mammarenavirus genus includes several pathogenic species of rodent-borne viruses. Old World (OW) mammarenaviruses infect rodents in the Murinae subfamily and are mainly transmitted in Africa and Asia; New World (NW) mammarenaviruses are found in rodents of the Cricetidae subfamily in the Americas. We applied a selection-informed method to estimate that OW and NW mammarenaviruses diverged less than ∼45,000 years ago (ya). By incorporating phylogeographic inference, we show that NW mammarenaviruses emerged in the Latin America-Caribbean region ∼41,400-3,300 ya, whereas OW mammarenaviruses originated ∼23,100-1,880 ya, most likely in Southern Africa. Cophylogenetic analysis indicated that cospeciation did not contribute significantly to mammarenavirus-host associations. Finally, we show that extremely strong selective pressure on the viral polymerase accompanied the speciation of NW viruses. These data suggest that the evolutionary history of mammarenaviruses was not driven by codivergence with their hosts. The viral polymerase should be regarded as a major determinant of mammarenavirus adaptation.
Insights
Mammarenaviruses, pathogenic rodent-borne viruses, diverged less than 45,000 years ago. Their evolution was shaped by viral polymerase adaptation, not host codivergence, with distinct origins in Africa/Asia and the Americas.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- The Mammarenavirus genus comprises pathogenic rodent-borne viruses.
- Old World (OW) and New World (NW) mammarenaviruses are geographically and taxonomically distinct, infecting different rodent subfamilies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history and divergence times of OW and NW mammarenaviruses.
- To understand the factors driving mammarenavirus-host associations and adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Applied a selection-informed method to estimate divergence times.
- Utilized phylogeographic inference to pinpoint geographic origins.
- Conducted cophylogenetic analysis to assess host-virus codivergence.
- Analyzed selective pressure on the viral polymerase.
Main Results:
- OW and NW mammarenaviruses diverged less than approximately 45,000 years ago.
- NW mammarenaviruses emerged in the Latin America-Caribbean region (∼41,400-3,300 ya).
- OW mammarenaviruses originated in Southern Africa (∼23,100-1,880 ya).
- Cospeciation did not significantly shape mammarenavirus-host associations.
- Strong selective pressure on the viral polymerase coincided with NW virus speciation.
Conclusions:
- Mammarenavirus evolutionary history is not primarily driven by codivergence with hosts.
- The viral polymerase is a key factor in mammarenavirus adaptation and speciation.
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