A novel mycovirus from Aspergillus fumigatus contains four unique dsRNAs as its genome and is infectious as dsRNA
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Accepted version
Author(s)
Kanhayuwa, Lakkhana
Kotta-Loizou, Ioly
Oezkan, Selin
Gunning, A Patrick
Coutts, HA
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report the discovery and characterization of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus isolated from the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus fumigatus tetramycovirus-1 (AfuTmV-1), which reveals several unique features not found previously in positive-strand RNA viruses, including the fact that it represents the first dsRNA (to our knowledge) that is not only infectious as a purified entity but also as a naked dsRNA. The AfuTmV-1 genome consists of four capped dsRNAs, the largest of which encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) containing a unique GDNQ motif normally characteristic of negative-strand RNA viruses. The third largest dsRNA encodes an S-adenosyl methionine–dependent methyltransferase capping enzyme and the smallest dsRNA a P-A-S–rich protein that apparently coats but does not encapsidate the viral genome as visualized by atomic force microscopy. A combination of a capping enzyme with a picorna-like RdRP in the AfuTmV-1 genome is a striking case of chimerism and the first example (to our knowledge) of such a phenomenon. AfuTmV-1 appears to be intermediate between dsRNA and positive-strand ssRNA viruses, as well as between encapsidated and capsidless RNA viruses.
Date Issued
2015-07-02
Date Acceptance
2014-10-07
Citation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2015, 112 (29), pp.9100-9105
ISSN
0027-8424
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Start Page
9100
End Page
9105
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume
112
Issue
29
Copyright Statement
© 2015 National Academy of Sciences
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000358225100082&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
mycovirus
infectious dsRNA
protoplast transfection
capping enzyme
virus evolution
DOUBLE-STRANDED RNAS
FUNGUS CRYPHONECTRIA-PARASITICA
MULTIPLE SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION
MELAMPSORA-LINI
FLAX RUST
VIRUSES
GENUS
PATHOGENICITY
POLYMERASES
Publication Status
Published