Complete nucleotide sequence and infectious cDNA clone of the RNA1 of a Chinese isolate of broad bean wilt virus 2

Phylodynamics and Codon Usage Pattern Analysis of Broad Bean Wilt Virus 2

Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2), which belongs to the genus Fabavirus of the family Secoviridae, is an important pathogen that causes damage to broad bean, pepper, yam, spinach and other economically important ornamental and horticultural crops worldwide. Previously, only limited reports have shown the genetic variation of BBWV2. Meanwhile, the detailed evolutionary changes, synonymous codon usage bias and host adaptation of this virus are largely unclear. Here, we performed comprehensive analyses of the phylodynamics, reassortment, composition bias and codon usage pattern of BBWV2 using forty-two complete genome sequences of BBWV-2 isolates together with two other full-length RNA1 sequences and six full-length RNA2 sequences. Both recombination and reassortment had a significant influence on the genomic evolution of BBWV2. Through phylogenetic analysis we detected three and four lineages based on the ORF1 and ORF2 nonrecombinant sequences, respectively. The evolutionary rates of the two BBWV2 ORF coding sequences were 8.895 × 10⁻⁴ and 4.560 × 10⁻⁴ subs/site/year, respectively. We found a relatively conserved and stable genomic composition with a lower codon usage choice in the two BBWV2 protein coding sequences. ENC-plot and neutrality plot analyses showed that natural selection is the key factor shaping the codon usage pattern of BBWV2. Strong correlations between BBWV2 and broad bean and pepper were observed from similarity index (SiD), codon adaptation index (CAI) and relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) analyses. Our study is the first to evaluate the phylodynamics, codon usage patterns and adaptive evolution of a fabavirus, and our results may be useful for the understanding of the origin of this virus.

Deep sequencing reveals the first fabavirus infecting peach

A disease causing smaller and cracked fruit affects peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], resulting in significant decreases in yield and quality. In this study, peach tree leaves showing typical symptoms were subjected to deep sequencing of small RNAs for a complete survey of presumed causal viral pathogens. The results revealed two known viroids (Hop stunt viroid and Peach latent mosaic viroid), two known viruses (Apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus and Plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus) and a novel virus provisionally named Peach leaf pitting-associated virus (PLPaV). Phylogenetic analysis based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase placed PLPaV into a separate cluster under the genus Fabavirus in the family Secoviridae. The genome consists of two positive-sense single-stranded RNAs, i.e., RNA1 [6,357 nt, with a 48-nt poly(A) tail] and RNA2 [3,862 nt, with a 25-nt poly(A) containing two cytosines]. Biological tests of GF305 peach indicator seedlings indicated a leaf-pitting symptom rather than the smaller and cracked fruit symptoms related to virus and viroid infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a fabavirus infecting peach. PLPaV presents several new molecular and biological features that are absent in other fabaviruses, contributing to an overall better understanding of fabaviruses.

Broad bean wilt virus 2 encoded VP53, VP37 and large capsid protein orchestrate suppression of RNA silencing in plant

Viruses encode RNA silencing suppressors to counteract host RNA silencing-mediated defense responses. In this study, we demonstrate that VP53, VP37 and LCP encoded by RNA2 of broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2), a member of the genus Fabavirus, are strong suppressors of RNA silencing triggered by single-stranded sense RNA. They, however, had no effect on suppression of RNA silencing induced by double-stranded RNA. We provide evidence that these three suppressors can significantly limit the accumulation of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in tissues where the GFP gene has been silenced, and prevent the long distance spread of the induced silencing signal. Gel mobility shift assays showed that all three suppressors could bind ssRNA in a size-specific manner. Interestingly, VP37 and LCP, but not VP53, could reverse the silencing of a GFP gene in leaf tissue. Furthermore, these three proteins are capable of enhancing pathogenicity of potato virus X. Collectively, our findings indicate that viruses employ a more sophisticated strategy to overcome the host defense response mediated through suppression of RNA silencing during virus infection. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of RNA silencing suppressors encoded by a virus in the genus Fabavirus.

Detection and identification of Fabavirus species by one-step RT-PCR and multiplex RT-PCR

The genus Fabavirus of the family Secoviridae comprises a group of poorly characterized viruses. To date, only five species have been described: Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1), Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2), Lamium mild mosaic virus (LMMV), Gentian mosaic virus (GeMV) and Cucurbit mild mosaic virus (CuMMV). The development is described of two RT-PCR procedures for the detection and identification of Fabavirus species: a one-step RT-PCR using a single pair of conserved primers for the detection of all fabaviruses, and a one-step multiplex RT-PCR using species-specific primers for the simultaneous detection and identification of the above-mentioned species of the genus Fabavirus. These methods were applied successfully to field samples and the results were compared with those obtained by molecular hybridization and ELISA. The combination of the two techniques enables rapid, sensitive and reliable identification of the five known fabavirus species, as well as the possibility of discovering new species of this genus.

Molecular Characterization and Variation of the Broad bean wilt virus 2 Isolates Based on Analyses of Complete Genome Sequences

The full-genome sequences of fourteen isolates of Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2), collected from broad bean, pea, spinach, bell pepper and paprika plants in Korea during the years 2006-2012, were determined and analyzed comparatively along with fifteen previously reported BBWV2 genome sequences. Sequence analyses showed that RNA-1 and RNA-2 sequences of BBWV2 Korean isolates consisted of 5950-5956 and 3568-3604 nucleotides, respectively. Full-length genome sequence-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that the BBWV2 Korean isolates could be divided into three major groups comprising GS-I (isolates BB2 and RP7) along with isolate IP, GS-II (isolates BB5, P2, P3 and RP3) along with isolate B935, and GS-III including 16 BBWV2 Korean isolates. Interestingly, GS-III appears to be newly emerged and predominant in Korea. Recombination analyses identified two recombination events in the analyzed BBWV2 population: one in the RNA-1 of isolate K and another one in the RNA-2 of isolate XJ14-3. However, no recombination events were detected in the other 21 Korean isolates. On the other hand, out of 29 BBWV2 isolates, 16 isolates were found to be reassortants, of which each RNA segment (i.e. RNA1 and RNA2) was originated from different parental isolates. Our findings suggested that reassortment rather than recombination is a major evolutionary force in the genetic diversification of BBWV population in Korea.

The complete genome sequence of Lamium mild mosaic virus, a member of the genus Fabavirus

Lamium mild mosaic virus (LMMV) is the only one of the five members of the genus Fabavirus for which there are no nucleotide sequence data. In this study, the complete genome sequence of LMMV was determined and compared with the available complete genome sequences of other members of the genus Fabavirus. The genome was the largest of the genus but maintained the typical organization, with RNA 1 of 6080 nucleotides (nt), RNA 2 of 4065 nt, and an unusually long 3' untranslated region in RNA 2 of 603 nt. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences of the protease-polymerase (Pro-Pol) region and the two coat proteins confirmed that LMMV belongs to a distinct species within the genus Fabavirus.

Establishment of an agroinoculation system for broad bean wilt virus 2

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2) isolate from gentian in Japan. The full-length RNA1 and RNA2 sequences, excluding poly(A) tails, were 5955 and 3600 nucleotides long, respectively. Analysis indicated that, in contrast to other BBWV-2 isolates, the 5' end of both RNA1 and RNA2 starts with a GUU sequence. We successfully inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana with BBWV-2 by infiltrating a mixed suspension of two Agrobacterium tumefaciens clones carrying binary vectors with the full-length RNA1 and RNA2 sequences. This is the first report on the efficient, easy and high-throughput use of agroinoculation for generating BBWV-2 infections.

Virus diseases in lettuce in the Mediterranean basin

Lettuce is frequently attacked by several viruses causing disease epidemics and considerable yield losses along the Mediterranean basin. Aphids are key pests and the major vectors of plant viruses in lettuce fields. Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) is probably the most important because it is seed-transmitted in addition to be transmissible by many aphid species that alight on the crop. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is another virus that causes severe damage since the introduction of its major vector, the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. In regions with heavy and humid soils, Lettuce Mirafiori big-vein virus (LMBVV) can also produce major yield losses.

Detection and absolute quantitation of Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) and BBWV-2 by real time RT-PCR

Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) and BBWV-2 are the two most significant viruses in the genus Fabavirus, causing damage to many economically important agricultural crops worldwide. A quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) procedure using two TaqMan(®)MGB probes was developed for sensitive and specific detection and quantitation of BBWV-1 and BBWV-2. Primers and probes were designed from conserved sequence stretches to detect all isolates of each virus. Standard curves using RNA transcripts identical to both TaqMan(®)MGB probes enabled absolute quantitation, with a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity (10(3)-10(10) RNA molecules). RT-qPCR was assayed with genetically divergent BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 isolates from different plant hosts and countries, and was used to evaluate the temporal accumulation of BBWV-1 RNA in two plant hosts.

Cell-to-cell trafficking, subcellular distribution, and binding to coat protein of Broad bean wilt virus 2 VP37 protein

Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV 2) is a member of the genus Fabavirus of the family Comoviridae. To date, a movement protein (MP) of BBWV 2 has not been described. Here we demonstrate that the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-VP37 fusion protein can move from initial bombarded cells to neighboring cells in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal leaves. In addition, the GFP-VP37 fusion protein localizes as a halo around the nucleus and as punctate spots on the cell periphery in N. benthamiana epidermal leaf cells and BY-2 suspension cells. Fluorescence near the nucleus also was co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum in BY-2 cells. Fibrous networks were found in GFP-VP37 agro-infiltrated N. benthamiana epidermal leaf cells. Deletion analyses indicated that the C-terminal region of the VP37 protein is essential for localization at the cell periphery. Using a blot overlay assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay, the purified 6xHis-tagged VP37 protein was shown to bind specifically to the small coat protein of BBWV 2. The above results indicate that VP37 is a movement protein.

Detection and identification of species of the genus Fabavirus by RT-PCR with a single pair of primers

The genus Fabavirus includes three species: Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1), BBWV-2 and Lamium mild mosaic virus (LMMV), but a new candidate species, Gentian mosaic virus (GeMV), has been proposed. Analysis of the complete nucleotide sequences of fabaviruses was used to design a pair of conserved primers for specific detection of members of this genus. These primers encompassed the 5'-terminal non-translatable region (NTR) , whose size for BBWV-1, BBWV-2 and GeMV was different. RT-PCR, with this pair of primers, is a rapid and sensitive procedure for diagnosis of fabavirus infections, that also allows identification of distinct species involved in single or mixed infections, based on the size of the amplification products. Moreover, it might allow future discovery of potential new species of this genus.

The complete sequence of a Spanish isolate of Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) reveals a high variability and conserved motifs in the genus Fabavirus

The genome of a Spanish isolate of Broad bean wilt virus-1 (BBWV-1) was completely sequenced and compared with available sequences of other isolates of the genus Fabavirus (BBWV-1 and BBWV-2). This consisted of two RNAs of 5814 and 3431 nucleotides, respectively, and their organization was similar to that of other members of the family Comoviridae. Its mean nucleotide identity with a BBWV-1 American isolate was 81.5%, and between 59.8 and 63.5% with seven BBWV-2 isolates. Our analysis showed sequence stretches in the 5' non-coding regions which are conserved in both genomic RNAs and in BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 isolates.

Gentian mosaic virus: A New Species in the Genus Fabavirus

ABSTRACT A viral isolate, designated N-1 and obtained from a gentian (Gentiana scabra) plant that exhibited mosaic symptoms, was transmitted mechanically to nine plant species in six families. These plants are known as hosts of fabaviruses. The N-1 isolate was composed of isometric particles 30 nm in diameter and included two RNA molecules of approximately 6.0 and 3.6 kb in length, as estimated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The RNAs were encapsidated separately in two of the three types of particle. Each particle contained two distinct proteins with Mr values of 39.3 x 10(3) and 26.6 x 10(3), as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of complete nucleotide sequences of the RNAs suggested that each encoded a single large polyprotein, in which putative functional proteins were arranged in a manner similar to those in Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) and Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2), which are members of the genus Fabavirus (family Comoviridae). Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the proteins indicated that those of isolate N-1 shared 38 to 66% identity with those of BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 but only 16 to 42% identity with those of a comovirus, Cowpea mosaic virus. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the amino acid sequences of RNA polymerase, placed isolate N-1 in a separate lineage from BBWV-1 and BBWV-2. In indirect-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, isolate N-1 exhibited distant serological relationship to BBWV-1, BBWV-2, and Lamium mild mosaic virus, another fabavirus. Our results suggest that N-1 represents a new species of Fabavirus. We propose the name Gentian mosaic virus for this new species.

Two amino acids on 2a polymerase of Cucumber mosaic virus co-determine hypersensitive response on legumes

The hypersensitive response (HR) is one of the most important defense responses during the incompatible interaction between plant and pathogen. The viral determinant of HR on legumes induced by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was studied, and our previous results showed that 243 nucleotides on 2a polymerase gene of CMV were involved in the induction of HR on legumes. With further analysis of the nucleotides and amino acids in this region, the amino acids Phe and Ala at positions 631 and 641 in the 2a polymerase of CMV-Fny, a legume local necrotic strain, were specifically exchanged to Tyr and Ser, respectively and simultaneously, in the 2a polymerase of CMV-P1, a legume systemic infecting strain, and three point mutants were constructed. The point mutant Fny-F/Y (Phe631 to Tyr) induced large necrotic lesions instead of pinpoint lesions, and the size of lesions could enlarge from initial sites. The point mutant Fny-A/S (Ala641 to Ser) induced similar symptoms as CMV-Fny. The double-point mutant Fny-FA/YS (Phe631 to Tyr and Ala641 to Ser) infected the legumes systemically without HR. These data indicate that the induction of HR on legumes is co-determined by two amino acids at positions 631 and 641 in CMV 2a polymerase.