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Integrated Jingmenvirus Polymerase Gene in Ixodes ricinus Genome

Evgeny S Morozkin1, Marat T Makenov1, Olga B Zhurenkova1

  • 1Group of Molecular Diagnostics and Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Epidemiology, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia.

Viruses
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Jingmenviruses were found integrated into the genome of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Russia. This discovery reveals a novel viral integration in ticks, with implications for understanding jingmenvirus ecology and transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Entomology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Jingmenviruses are found in arthropods and mammals globally, with some linked to human fever after tick bites.
  • The presence and integration of jingmenviruses within tick genomes remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and integration status of jingmenviruses in Russian tick populations.
  • To characterize the genetic variants and integration patterns of jingmenviruses in Ixodes ricinus.

Main Methods:

  • Nested RT-PCR was employed to screen Ixodes ricinus ticks from seven Russian regions for jingmenvirus.
  • DNase/RNase treatment, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to confirm and quantify viral DNA integration.
  • Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the integrated jingmenvirus polymerase gene sequences.

Main Results:

  • Jingmenvirus-positive Ixodes ricinus ticks were abundant, with prevalence ranging from 19.8% to 34.3%.
  • Next-generation sequencing confirmed the integration of the jingmenvirus polymerase gene into the Ixodes ricinus genome.
  • The integrated gene copy number was estimated at 1.32 copies per cell, with at least three genetic variants identified in Russia.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of jingmenvirus polymerase gene integration into the Ixodes ricinus genome in Russia.
  • The findings suggest a stable genetic integration of jingmenviruses within the tick population, impacting viral ecology and potential transmission dynamics.
Keywords:
Alongshan virusIxodesendogenous viral elementsixodid ticksjingmenvirusestick cell line

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