Complete genome sequence of fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2

Area of Science:

• Plant virology
• Molecular biology
• Phylogenetics

Background:

• Fig leaf mottle-associated virus 2 (FLMaV2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus.
• Its genome organization is similar to little cherry virus 2 (LChV2) and yam asymptomatic virus 1 (YaV1).
• These viruses are currently classified under the genus Ampelovirus but exhibit atypical features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the complete genome sequence of FLMaV2.
• To analyze the phylogenetic relationships of FLMaV2 with other viruses in the family Closteroviridae.
• To investigate the potential taxonomic classification of FLMaV2, LChV2, and YaV1.

Main Methods:

• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).
• Phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and coat protein.

Main Results:

• The complete genome sequence of FLMaV2 was determined to be 16,925 nucleotides.
• FLMaV2 shares genome organization similarities with LChV2 and YaV1.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed FLMaV2, LChV2, and YaV1 together, distinct from typical ampeloviruses.

Conclusions:

• FLMaV2 possesses an unusual genome organization within the Ampelovirus genus.
• FLMaV2, LChV2, and YaV1 exhibit distinct phylogenetic characteristics.
• These findings suggest the potential establishment of a new genus for FLMaV2, LChV2, and YaV1 within the Closteroviridae family.