Evolution and Structure of Viral Cystatins in Host-Parasitoid Interactions
Author Information
Author(s): Serbielle Céline, Chowdhury Shafinaz, Pichon Samuel, Dupas Stéphane, Lesobre Jérôme, Purisima Enrico O, Drezen Jean-Michel, Huguet Elisabeth
Primary Institution: Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR CNRS 6035, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc de Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France
Hypothesis
How do viral cystatins evolve under selective pressures in host-parasitoid interactions?
Conclusion
Viral cystatins are subject to strong positive selection, indicating their role as major virulence factors in host-parasitoid interactions.
Supporting Evidence
- Cystatins are the first bracovirus genes proven to be subject to strong positive selection.
- Phylogenetic analyses reveal two different cystatin forms which evolved under different selective constraints.
- Most positively selected sites are situated in the vicinity of the cystatin active sites.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain proteins from viruses that infect wasps are changing quickly to help the virus survive in its caterpillar hosts.
Methodology
The study involved isolating viral cystatin sequences, performing phylogenetic analysis, and testing for positive selection using various models.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a specific viral gene family and may not represent broader evolutionary patterns across all viral proteins.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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