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Complete genome sequence of a novel potyvirus infecting Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass)
Zacharie Leblanc1, Marie-Emilie Gauthier1, Ruvini Lelwala1
1eResearch Office, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
Abstract:
Here, we describe the full-length genome sequence of a novel potyvirus, tentatively named "Miscanthus sinensis mosaic virus" (MsiMV), isolated from Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass) held in a post-entry quarantine facility after being imported into Western Australia, Australia. The MsiMV genome is 9604 nucleotides (nt) in length, encoding a 3071-amino-acid (aa) polyprotein with conserved sequence motifs. The MsiMV genome is most closely related to that of sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV), with 74% nt and 78.5% aa sequence identity to the SrMV polyprotein region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polyprotein grouped MsiMV with SrMV, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), and maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV). This is the first report of a novel monopartite ssRNA virus in Miscanthus sinensis related to members of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae.
Insights
A novel virus, Miscanthus sinensis mosaic virus (MsiMV), has been identified in silver grass. This potyvirus is genetically similar to sorghum mosaic virus, highlighting new plant virus diversity.
Area of Science:
- Plant virology
- Molecular biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass) is an important forage and biofuel crop.
- The introduction of new plant pathogens poses a significant risk to agriculture and ecosystems.
- Potyviruses are a major group of plant RNA viruses with significant agricultural impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the full-length genome sequence of a novel virus isolated from Miscanthus sinensis.
- To determine the phylogenetic relationship of the novel virus to known plant viruses.
- To report the first identification of a novel monopartite ssRNA virus in Miscanthus sinensis.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of the isolated virus.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the viral genome sequence.
- Phylogenetic analysis using conserved viral protein sequences.
Main Results:
- The full-length genome sequence of a novel potyvirus, Miscanthus sinensis mosaic virus (MsiMV), was determined.
- MsiMV is 9604 nucleotides in length, encoding a 3071-amino-acid polyprotein.
- MsiMV shares the highest sequence identity with sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) (74% nt, 78.5% aa) and clusters with SrMV, SCMV, and MDMV phylogenetically.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first genome sequence of MsiMV, a novel potyvirus from Miscanthus sinensis.
- MsiMV represents a new member of the Potyviridae family, closely related to SrMV.
- The findings contribute to understanding virus diversity in M. sinensis and potential risks to agriculture.
