Evolution of Ichnoviruses from Ascoviruses
Author Information
Author(s): Yves Bigot, Sylvie Samain, Corinne Augé-Gouillou, Brian A Federici
Primary Institution: Université François Rabelais de Tours
Hypothesis
Ichnoviruses evolved from ascoviruses through symbiogenesis.
Conclusion
The study provides molecular evidence that ichnoviruses originated from ascoviruses via lateral gene transfer into ichneumonid wasp genomes.
Supporting Evidence
- A unique family of pox-D5 NTPase proteins in ichnoviruses is related to ascovirus proteins.
- Phylogenetic analyses suggest two independent symbiogenic events leading to ichnovirus lineages.
- Structural similarities between ichnovirus and ascovirus particles support the hypothesis of their evolutionary relationship.
Takeaway
Some wasps have special viruses that help them survive inside their caterpillar hosts. This study shows that these viruses came from another type of virus a long time ago.
Methodology
The study involved sequencing the genome of the Diadromus pulchellus ascovirus and comparing it with ichnovirus genomes to identify evolutionary relationships.
Limitations
The evidence for the evolutionary link is limited and further studies are needed to clarify the origins of ichnoviruses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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