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Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
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Living Together Apart: Quantitative Perspectives on the Costs and Benefits of a Multipartite Genome Organization in

Marcelle L Johnson1,2, Dieke Boezen1,2, Alexey A Grum-Grzhimaylo1,3

  • 1Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Viruses
|September 27, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multipartite viruses face transmission costs but may have broader host ranges. Limited evidence supports benefits of gene sharing, suggesting complex explanations for their prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Multipartite viruses package genome segments separately, requiring multiple particles for transmission.
  • This contrasts with monopartite viruses and incurs transmission costs, prompting research into multipartite virus advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify transmission costs of multipartite viruses.
  • To evaluate the benefits of viral gene product sharing between cells.
  • To determine if multipartite viruses possess broader host ranges.

Main Methods:

  • Reanalyzed dose-response data to assess transmission costs.
  • Developed a simulation model for viral gene product sharing benefits.
  • Used metagenomics to estimate host ranges of plant viruses.

Main Results:

  • Observed transmission costs exceed theoretical predictions.
  • Viral gene product sharing benefits are conditional and likely uncommon.
  • Multipartite and segmented viruses exhibit broader host ranges than monopartite viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence for multipartite organization costs/benefits is limited.
  • Broader host ranges may explain multipartite virus prevalence.
  • Diverse multipartite virus-host systems require multifaceted explanations.
Keywords:
dose responseevolutiongene-product sharinghost rangeinfection modelmultipartite virusplant virussegmented virus

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