Molecular characterization of a novel non-segmented double-stranded RNA mycovirus isolated from Penicillium citrinum...

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Penicillium citrinum is a widespread filamentous fungus.
• No viral sequences have been previously reported for Penicillium citrinum.
• Fungal viruses (mycoviruses) play roles in fungal ecology and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel dsRNA virus from Penicillium citrinum.
• To determine the genomic features and phylogenetic relationships of the new virus.
• To establish the first viral sequence data for Penicillium citrinum.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of a dsRNA virus from Penicillium citrinum RCEF 7060.
• Genome sequencing and analysis of the dsRNA virus.
• Bioinformatic analysis including open reading frame identification, sequence comparison, and phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

• A novel non-segmented dsRNA virus, named Penicillium citrinum non-segmented dsRNA virus 1 (PcNRV1), was identified.
• The PcNRV1 genome is 2,895 bp and contains two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding an unknown protein and a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).
• Phylogenetic analysis placed PcNRV1 within a distinct clade, closely related to the proposed genus "Unirnavirus" and Penicillium miczynskii RNA virus 1 (PmRV1).

Conclusions:

• PcNRV1 represents a novel mycovirus belonging to the proposed "Unirnavirus" genus.
• This is the first reported viral sequence from the fungus Penicillium citrinum.
• The discovery expands the known diversity of mycoviruses and provides a foundation for future research on PcNRV1.