The Alkalophilic Fungus Sodiomyces alkalinus Hosts Beta- and Gammapartitiviruses Together with a New Fusarivirus

Summary

This research discovered three different viruses living together inside an unusual fungus that thrives in highly alkaline environments. This is the first time scientists have found viruses in a fungus that lives in such extreme conditions. The study helps us understand how multiple viruses can coexist peacefully within a host organism without causing harm. Impacts on everyday life: – Demonstrates how organisms can adapt to extreme environments while hosting multiple viruses – Provides insights into virus-host relationships that could inform development of antiviral strategies – Advances our understanding of microbial life in extreme environments like alkaline lakes – Shows how different viruses can stably coexist without competing destructively – Could lead to applications in biotechnology and viral control methods

Background

Mycoviruses are widespread in fungi and can carry various types of nucleic acids that constitute their genomes. Most described mycoviruses possess dsRNA and positive-sense ssRNA genomes, though some ssDNA-, dsDNA-, and negative-sense ssRNA-viruses have also been reported. The virosphere of extremophiles remains largely understudied, with the exception of archaea and some extremophilic bacteria.

Objective

To characterize novel viruses found in the alkalophilic fungus Sodiomyces alkalinus and understand their relationships and interactions within the host.

Results

Four strains of S. alkalinus contained detectable amounts of high-molecular weight dsRNA. Three distinct viruses were identified: a novel betapartitivirus (SaPV1), a gammapartitivirus (CtParV1-SAL), and a novel fusarivirus (SaFV1). All three viruses showed efficient vertical transmission through asexual and sexual spores. The viruses displayed stable coexistence without apparent phenotypic effects on the host. SaPV1 and CtParV1-SAL were present in similar quantities, while SaFV1 was present at about 1/20th concentration.

Conclusion

This study reports the first case of mycoviruses present in an obligate alkalophilic filamentous fungus. The three identified viruses demonstrate stable co-infection without apparent detrimental effects on the host. The viruses do not appear to be responsible for the alkalophilic physiology of the fungus but display efficient vertical transmission and clonal persistence.
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