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Processing the Loblolly Pine PtGen2 cDNA Microarray
Published on: March 20, 2009
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Genomoviruses associated with mountain and western pine beetles
Simona Kraberger1, Richard W Hofstetter2, Kristen A Potter2
1The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5001, USA.
Virus Research
|July 31, 2018
Summary
Six new species of circular single-stranded DNA viruses, called genomoviruses, were discovered in pine beetles. Some of these novel viruses exhibit genetic recombination, suggesting complex interactions within their insect and fungal hosts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Mycology
Background:
- Genomoviruses are diverse circular single-stranded DNA viruses found across various hosts.
- Mountain pine beetles and western pine beetles are significant forest pests with symbiotic relationships with fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genomoviruses in mountain pine beetles and western pine beetles.
- To investigate the genetic diversity and potential recombination events within these newly identified viruses.
Main Methods:
- Viral DNA sequencing and genome assembly from beetle samples.
- Bioinformatic analysis to determine viral species demarcation and identify recombination.
Main Results:
- Discovery of six new genomovirus species: five in the Gemycircularvirus genus and one in the Gemykibivirus genus.
- Identification of recombinant genomes in four Gemycircularviruses, including one with a full-length capsid protein recombination.
- These novel viruses were found in beetles sampled in Arizona.
Conclusions:
- The identified genomoviruses represent new species with significant genetic diversity.
- Recombination in some viruses suggests complex evolutionary dynamics.
- These viruses may be associated with the symbiotic fungi of pine beetles or the insects themselves, warranting further investigation into their ecological roles.
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