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Intra- and interspecies virus transfer in Aspergilli via protoplast fusion
A D van Diepeningen1, A J Debets, R F Hoekstra
1Department of Genetics, Agricultural University Wageningen, Dreijenlaan 2, Wageningen, 6703 HA, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Intra- and interspecies transfer of dsRNA viruses between black Aspergilli and Aspergillus nidulans strains has been investigated using protoplast fusion. We found interspecies transfer of virus in all combinations of black Aspergillus and A. nidulans strains and vice versa. Using the same conditions, intraspecies virus transfer among heterokaryon incompatible strains was also tested. Whereas such transfer was always found among A. nidulans strains, transfer among black Aspergilli was frequently unsuccessful. The lack of virus transfer between black Aspergillus isolates was further investigated by using a mitochondrial oligomycin resistance marker as a positive control for cytoplasmic exchange. These experiments showed independent transfer of the oligomycin resistance and dsRNA viruses during protoplast fusion of heterokaryon incompatible black Aspergilli. The inefficient transfer of dsRNA viruses between black Aspergilli is not caused by absolute resistance to viruses but may be related to heterokaryon incompatibility reactions that operate intraspecifically. Consequences for the dynamics of mycoviruses in populations of black Aspergilli are discussed.
Insights
dsRNA virus transfer occurs between Aspergillus species, but is often blocked within black Aspergilli populations due to incompatibility, not resistance. This impacts mycovirus dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- dsRNA viruses are common in fungi, influencing their hosts.
- Understanding virus transmission is crucial for fungal population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intra- and interspecies transfer of dsRNA viruses between black Aspergilli and Aspergillus nidulans.
- To determine the factors limiting virus transfer within black Aspergilli.
Main Methods:
- Protoplast fusion was employed to facilitate virus transfer.
- Mitochondrial oligomycin resistance marker was used to confirm cytoplasmic exchange.
Main Results:
- Interspecies virus transfer was successful between all tested black Aspergillus and A. nidulans strains.
- Intraspecies virus transfer was successful in A. nidulans but frequently failed in black Aspergilli.
- Cytoplasmic exchange (oligomycin resistance) occurred independently of dsRNA virus transfer in incompatible black Aspergilli.
Conclusions:
- Inefficient dsRNA virus transfer in black Aspergilli is linked to heterokaryon incompatibility, not absolute viral resistance.
- Heterokaryon incompatibility mechanisms significantly influence mycovirus dynamics within black Aspergillus populations.