A dsRNA virus with filamentous viral particles

Nat Commun. 2017 Aug 1;8(1):168. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00237-9.

Abstract

Viruses with double-stranded RNA genomes form isometric particles or are capsidless. Here we report a double-stranded RNA virus, Colletotrichum camelliae filamentous virus 1 (CcFV-1) isolated from a fungal pathogen, that forms filamentous particles. CcFV-1 has eight genomic double-stranded RNAs, ranging from 990 to 2444 bp, encoding 10 putative open reading frames, of which open reading frame 1 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and open reading frame 4 a capsid protein. When inoculated, the naked CcFV-1 double-stranded RNAs are infectious and induce the accumulation of the filamentous particles in vivo. CcFV-1 is phylogenetically related to Aspergillus fumigatus tetramycovirus-1 and Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus-1, but differs in morphology and in the number of genomic components. CcFV-1 might be an intermediate virus related to truly capsidated viruses, or might represent a distinct encapsidating strategy. In terms of genome and particle architecture, our findings are a significant addition to the knowledge of the virosphere diversity.Viruses with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes form typically isometric particles or are capsid-less. Here, the authors identify a mycovirus with an eight-segmented dsRNA genome that forms exceptionally long filamentous particles and could represent an evolutionary link between ssRNA and dsRNA viruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Colletotrichum / virology*
  • Fungal Viruses / genetics*
  • Fungal Viruses / isolation & purification
  • Open Reading Frames / genetics
  • RNA Viruses / genetics*
  • RNA Viruses / isolation & purification
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics*
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Virion*

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase