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Published on: January 20, 2017
Complete genome sequence of a novel mitovirus isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata causing
Jichun Jia1, Hanyang Liang1, Lihong Cheng1
1College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
Abstract:
In this study, a novel mitovirus, tentatively designated as "Alternaria alternata mitovirus 2" (AaMV2), was isolated from the fungus Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali causing apple leaf blotch disease. The complete genome of AaMV2 is 3,157 nucleotides in length, with an A+U content of 68.10%. The genome has a single large open reading frame (ORF) encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein with a molecular mass of 98.10 kDa. BLAST analysis revealed that AaMV2 has the highest sequence identity to Leptosphaeria biglobosa mitovirus 6, with 79.76% and 82.86% identity at the amino acid and nucleotide level, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that AaMV2 is a new member of the genus Duamitovirus within the family Mitoviridae. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence analysis of a mitovirus in A. alternata.
Insights
A new mitovirus, Alternaria alternata mitovirus 2 (AaMV2), was discovered in apple leaf blotch fungus. This study details its genome sequence and phylogenetic placement within the Duamitovirus genus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Virology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Apple leaf blotch disease is caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali.
- Mitoviruses are RNA viruses that infect fungi and are known to impact host physiology.
- Understanding fungal viruses is crucial for managing plant diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel mitovirus from Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali.
- To determine the complete genome sequence of the newly identified mitovirus.
- To perform phylogenetic analysis to understand its evolutionary relationship with other mitoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the virus from infected fungal samples.
- Whole-genome sequencing and assembly.
- Bioinformatic analysis including ORF prediction, BLAST searches, and phylogenetic reconstruction.
Main Results:
- A novel mitovirus, designated Alternaria alternata mitovirus 2 (AaMV2), was successfully isolated.
- The complete genome of AaMV2 is 3,157 nucleotides with a single large ORF encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
- Phylogenetic analysis places AaMV2 within the Duamitovirus genus, with closest relatives being Leptosphaeria biglobosa mitovirus 6.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of a complete mitovirus genome sequence from Alternaria alternata.
- AaMV2 represents a new member of the Duamitovirus genus.
- The characterization of AaMV2 provides insights into the diversity and evolution of mitoviruses in phytopathogenic fungi.
