Resolving deep evolutionary relationships within the RNA virus phylum Lenarviricota

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• The RNA virus phylum Lenarviricota exhibits significant phylogenetic and genomic diversity, encompassing RNA bacteriophages and plant/fungi-associated viruses.
• Lenarviricota represents a crucial evolutionary link between prokaryotic and eukaryotic RNA viruses, yet its internal phylogenetic relationships remain unclear.
• Metagenomic studies have expanded our understanding of Lenarviricota, highlighting the need for refined classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve the complex evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships among families within the Lenarviricota phylum.
• To identify patterns in the evolution of viral genome organization within Lenarviricota.
• To propose a revised taxonomic structure for Lenarviricota based on phylogenetic evidence.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analyses utilizing a comprehensive dataset of viral sequences.
• Genomic analyses to investigate patterns in virus genome organization.
• Comparative sequence analysis to assess viral diversity and relationships.

Main Results:

• Phylogenetic analyses suggest Leviviridae as the basal lineage within Lenarviricota.
• Evidence supports the establishment of a new virus family, Narliviridae, comprising diverse and distinct species.
• A proposed taxonomic restructuring includes the order Ourlivirales (Botourmiaviridae and Narliviridae) and Wolframvirales (Narnaviridae) within the class Amabiliviricetes.

Conclusions:

• The study provides critical insights into the intricate evolutionary relationships within the Lenarviricota phylum.
• The proposed taxonomic revision better reflects the documented phylogenetic structure of Lenarviricota.
• This work enhances our understanding of viral evolution and diversity across different host domains.