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Overview on Sobemoviruses and a Proposal for the Creation of the Family Sobemoviridae

Summary

This research provides a comprehensive overview of sobemoviruses, a group of plant viruses, and proposes their classification into a new viral family. These viruses cause important diseases in crops like rice, beans, and other plants. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps understand and potentially control viral diseases affecting food crops • Contributes to improving crop protection and agricultural productivity • Advances our understanding of virus evolution and classification • Provides insights for developing virus-resistant crop varieties • Supports better disease management strategies in agriculture

Background

The genus Sobemovirus, currently unassigned to any family, consists of viruses with single-stranded plus-oriented single-component RNA genomes and small icosahedral particles. The genus includes 14 recognized species with several new species to be recognized. Sobemoviruses have compact genomes with conserved open reading frame structures and short untranslated regions.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sobemovirus genome structure, protein expression and processing, particle structure, pathology, and phylogenesis. Additionally, it proposes the creation of a new viral family Sobemoviridae to include the genera Sobemovirus and Polemovirus based on phylogenetic analysis.

Results

The review reveals that sobemoviruses have distinct genome organization with conserved proteins including P1 (movement protein and silencing suppressor), Px (newly discovered protein), protease, VPg, RdRp and coat protein. The viruses show diverse transmission mechanisms beyond just beetle vectors. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates sobemoviruses form a distinct group related to but separate from Luteoviridae and Tombusviridae families.

Conclusion

Based on the distinct genomic, structural and evolutionary characteristics of sobemoviruses, the authors propose creating a new viral family Sobemoviridae to include the genera Sobemovirus and Polemovirus. This classification is supported by the presence of conserved chymotrypsin-like protease and RdRp genes that distinguish these viruses from other viral families.
  • Published in:Viruses,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/v7062761
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