Molecular characterization of Penicillium chrysogenum virus: reconsideration of the taxonomy of the genus Chrysovirus

A virus from Aspergillus cibarius with features of alpha- and betachrysoviruses

From the ascomycete Aspergillus cibarius strain NW-FVA 2590, which was originally isolated from a root, associated with stem collar necrosis of Fraxinus excelsior L., a novel virus was isolated and characterized. Its genome is encoded on three monocistronic dsRNA segments ranging from 3683 bp (dsRNA 1) over 3093 (dsRNA 2) to 2902 bp (dsRNA 3), which are packed in isometric particles of around 35 nm. While the viral RdRp (P1) is encoded on segment 1, protein sequencing showed that two more structural proteins are present which are translated from dsRNA 2 (P2) and dsRNA 3 (P3) and possibly form the viral capsid. Additionally, P2 and P3 may undergo posttranslational modifications since the detected proteins bands deviated from the calculated sizes. Due to its phylogenetic position, the novel virus was grouped in the family of Chrysoviridae and was tentatively denominated as Aspergillus cibarius chrysovirus 1 (AcCV1). Due to its composition, biological properties and phylogenetic position, distant from the genera Alphachrysovirus and Betachrysovirus, we suggest to position AcCV1 in a proposed genus "Gammachrysovirus".

Cross-Kingdom Interactions Between Plant and Fungal Viruses

The large genetic and structural divergences between plants and fungi may hinder the transmission of viruses between these two kingdoms to some extent. However, recent accumulating evidence from virus phylogenetic analyses and the discovery of naturally occurring virus cross-infection suggest the occurrence of past and current transmissions of viruses between plants and plant-associated fungi. Moreover, artificial virus inoculation experiments showed that diverse plant viruses can multiply in fungi and vice versa. Thus, virus cross-infection between plants and fungi may play an important role in the spread, emergence, and evolution of both plant and fungal viruses and facilitate the interaction between them. In this review, we summarize current knowledge related to cross-kingdom virus infection in plants and fungi and further discuss the relevance of this new virological topic in the context of understanding virus spread and transmission in nature as well as developing control strategies for crop plant diseases.

Molecular and biological characteristics of a novel chrysovirus infecting the fungus phytopathogenic Setosphaeria turcica f.sp. sorghi

A new double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus has been identified in the filamentous fungus Setosphaeria turcica f.sp. sorghi, whose genome consists of four segments (dsRNA1-4). Each dsRNA carries single open reading frame (ORF) flanked by 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) containing strictly conserved termini. The putative protein encoded by dsRNA1 showed 80.50% identity to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the most closely related virus, Alternaria alternata chrysovirus 1 (AaCV1), belonging to the Chrysoviridae. dsRNA2 encodes the putative coat protein, while dsRNA3 and dsRNA4 respectively encode the hypothetical proteins of unknown functions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp protein indicated the virus clustered with members of the genus Betachrysovirus in the family Chrysoviridae. Based on the dsRNA profile, amino acid sequence comparisons, and phylogenetic analyses, the mycovirus is thought to be a new member of the family Chrysoviridae and designated as Setosphaeria turcica chrysovirus 1 (StCV1). Moreover, obvious differences were observed in the colony, mycelial and spore morphology between StCV1-infected and virus-cured strains of S. turcica f.sp. sorghi. StCV1 infection strongly reduced colony growth rate, spore production ability and virulence on host fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first report about mycovirus infecting S. turcica f.sp. sorghi and also the first chrysovirus infecting S. turcica.

Mycoviruses as a part of the global virome: Diversity, evolutionary links and lifestyle

Knowledge of mycovirus diversity, evolution, horizontal gene transfer and shared ancestry with viruses infecting distantly related hosts, such as plants and arthropods, has increased vastly during the last few years due to advances in the high throughput sequencing methodologies. This also has enabled the discovery of novel mycoviruses with previously unknown genome types, mainly new positive and negative single-stranded RNA mycoviruses ((+) ssRNA and (-) ssRNA) and single-stranded DNA mycoviruses (ssDNA), and has increased our knowledge of double-stranded RNA mycoviruses (dsRNA), which in the past were thought to be the most common viruses infecting fungi. Fungi and oomycetes (Stramenopila) share similar lifestyles and also have similar viromes. Hypothesis about the origin and cross-kingdom transmission events of viruses have been raised and are supported by phylogenetic analysis and by the discovery of natural exchange of viruses between different hosts during virus-fungus coinfection in planta. In this review we make a compilation of the current information on the genome organization, diversity and taxonomy of mycoviruses, discussing their possible origins. Our focus is in recent findings suggesting the expansion of the host range of many viral taxa previously considered to be exclusively fungal, but we also address factors affecting virus transmissibility and coexistence in single fungal or oomycete isolates, as well as the development of synthetic mycoviruses and their use in investigating mycovirus replication cycles and pathogenicity.

Crosstalk between the Intestinal Virome and Other Components of the Microbiota, and Its Effect on Intestinal Mucosal Response and Diseases

In recent years, there has been ample evidence illustrating the effect of microbiota on gut immunity, homeostasis, and disease. Most of these studies have engaged more efforts in understanding the role of the bacteriome in gut mucosal immunity and disease. However, studies on the virome and its influence on gut mucosal immunity and pathology are still at infancy owing to limited metagenomic tools. Nonetheless, the existing studies on the virome have largely been focused on the bacteriophages as these represent the main component of the virome with little information on endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and eukaryotic viruses. In this review, we describe the gut virome, and its role in gut mucosal response and disease progression. We also explore the crosstalk between the virome and other microorganisms in the gut mucosa and elaborate on how these interactions shape the gut mucosal immunity going from bacteriophages through ERVs to eukaryotic viruses. Finally, we elucidate the potential contribution of this crosstalk in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer.

Mycovirus Hunting Revealed the Presence of Diverse Viruses in a Single Isolate of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Diplodia seriata From Pakistan

Diplodia seriata in the family Botryosphaeriaceae is a cosmopolitan phytopathogenic fungus and is responsible for causing cankers, fruit rot and leaf spots on economically important plants. In this study, we characterized the virome of a single Pakistani strain (L3) of D. seriata. Several viral-like contig sequences were obtained via a previously conducted next-generation sequencing analysis. Multiple infection of the L3 strain by eight RNA mycoviruses was confirmed through RT-PCR using total RNA samples extracted from this strain; the entire genomes were determined via Sanger sequencing of RT-PCR and RACE clones. A BLAST search and phylogenetic analyses indicated that these eight mycoviruses belong to seven different viral families. Four identified mycoviruses belong to double-stranded RNA viral families, including Polymycoviridae, Chrysoviridae, Totiviridae and Partitiviridae, and the remaining four identified mycoviruses belong to single-stranded RNA viral families, i.e., Botourmiaviridae, and two previously proposed families "Ambiguiviridae" and "Splipalmiviridae". Of the eight, five mycoviruses appear to represent new virus species. A morphological comparison of L3 and partially cured strain L3ht1 suggested that one or more of the three viruses belonging to Polymycoviridae, "Splipalmiviridae" and "Ambiguiviridae" are involved in the irregular colony phenotype of L3. To our knowledge, this is the first report of diverse virome characterization from D. seriata.

A novel hexa-segmented dsRNA mycovirus confers hypovirulence in the phytopathogenic fungus Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola

A novel hexa-segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus was isolated and characterized from the filamentous phytopathogenic fungus Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola, and was named Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola chrysovirus 1 (DpCV1). The full-length cDNAs of dsRNA1-6 were 3335, 3030, 3039, 2980, 963, and 780 bp, respectively. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of nine open reading frames (ORFs) in the DpCV1 genome. ORF1 in dsRNA1 putatively encoded the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and ORF3 in dsRNA2 encoded a capsid protein (CP). The seven remaining ORFs, ORF2 in dsRNA2, ORF4 in dsRNA3, ORF6, 7 in dsRNA4, ORF8 in dsRNA5, and ORF9 in dsRNA6, encoded proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DpCV1 is closely related to members of the cluster I group within the family Chrysoviridae but formed a separate clade. Importantly, all the six segments of DpCV1 were cured successfully through single spore isolation to obtain the isogenic virus-free strains. DpCV1 can confer hypovirulence to the fungal host of Diaporthe pseudophoenicicola. Compared with the virus-free strain, WC02 harboring the DpCV1 is more sensitive to fungicide prochloraz. Furthermore, the cell wall of DpCV1 infected strain was loose and enlarged. This is the first report of a hexa-segmented tentative chrysovirus in D. pseudophoenicicola. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fusarivirus accessory helicases present an evolutionary link for viruses infecting plants and fungi

A significant number of mycoviruses have been identified that are related to plant viruses, but their evolutionary relationships are largely unexplored. A fusarivirus, Rhizoctonia solani fusarivirus 4 (RsFV4), was identified in phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) strain XY74 co-infected by an alphaendornavirus. RsFV4 had a genome of 10,833 ​nt (excluding the poly-A tail), and consisted of four non-overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes an 825 aa protein containing a conserved helicase domain (Hel1). ORF3 encodes 1550 aa protein with two conserved domains, namely an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and another helicase (Hel2). The ORF2 and ORF4 likely encode two hypothetical proteins (520 and 542 aa) with unknown functions. The phylogenetic analysis based on Hel2 and RdRp suggest that RsFV4 was positioned within the fusarivirus group, but formed an independent branch with three previously reported fusariviruses of R. solani. Notably, the Hel1 and its relatives were phylogenetically closer to helicases of potyviruses and hypoviruses than fusariviruses, suggesting fusarivirus Hel1 formed an evolutionary link between these three virus groups. This finding provides evidence of the occurrence of a horizontal gene transfer or recombination event between mycoviruses and plant viruses or between mycoviruses. Our findings are likely to enhance the understanding of virus evolution and diversity.

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Rhizoctonia solani strain XY74 hosts two mycoviruses, fusarivirus (RsFV4) and endornavirus (RsAEV1).

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RsFV4 consists of four ORFs and is evolutionarily associated to fusariviruses.

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Two ORFs of RsFV4 encode two helicases belonging to superfamly II.

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The accessory helicase of RsFV4 and its relatives are phylogenetically related to mycoviruses and plant viruses.

RNA Virosphere in a Marine Zooplankton Community in the Subtropical Western North Pacific

Zooplankton and viruses play a key role in marine ecosystems; however, their interactions have not been examined in detail. In the present study, the diversity of viruses associated with zooplankton collected using a plankton net (mesh size: 100‍ ‍μm) in the subtropical western North Pacific was investigated by fragmented and primer ligated dsRNA sequencing. We obtained 21 and 168 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of ssRNA and dsRNA viruses, respectively, containing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). These OTUs presented average amino acid similarities of 43.5 and 44.0% to the RdRp genes of known viruses in ssRNA viruses and dsRNA viruses, respectively. Dominant OTUs mainly belonged to narna-like and picorna-like ssRNA viruses and chryso-like, partiti-like, picobirna-like, reo-like, and toti-like dsRNA viruses. Phylogenetic ana-lyses of the RdRp gene revealed that OTUs were phylogenetically diverse and clustered into distinct clades from known viral groups. The community structure of the same zooplankton sample was investigated using small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequences assembled from the metatranscriptome of single-stranded RNA. More than 90% of the sequence reads were derived from metazoan zooplankton; copepods comprised approximately 70% of the sequence reads. Although this ana-lysis provided no direct evidence of the host species of RNA viruses, these dominant zooplankton are expected to be associated with the RNA viruses detected in the present study. The present results indicate that zooplankton function as a reservoir of diverse RNA viruses and suggest that investigations of zooplankton viruses will provide a more detailed understanding of the role of viruses in marine ecosystems.

Complete genome sequence of the first chrysovirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria solani on potato in China

The complete genome sequence of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus that was isolated from Alternaria solani strain DT-10 causing potato foliar disease was determined. The virus, designated as "Alternaria solani chrysovirus 1" (AsCV1), has four dsRNA segments (dsRNA 1-4) with a length of 3600 bp, 3128 bp, 2996 bp, and 2714 bp, respectively. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, 1084 amino acids [aa]), putative capsid protein (905 aa), alphachryso-P3 (835 aa), and alphachryso-P4 (729 aa) were encoded by dsRNA1, dsRNA2, dsRNA3, and dsRNA4, respectively, which had the highest sequence identity of 41.77%-72.38% to their counterparts in Helminthosporium victoriae virus 145S (HvV145S) of the genus Alphachrysovirus, family Chrysoviridae. Moreover, the 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of AsCV1 dsRNA 1-4, which contained several unique inserts (3-37 bp) and deletions (5-64 bp), shared 51.65%-68.01% identity with those of HvV145S. Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp sequences showed that AsCV1 clustered the most closely with HvV145S. Considering its distinct host specificity, the low sequence similarity of its encoded proteins to those of other viruses, the unusual features of the 5'-UTRs of its dsRNA 1-4, and the phylogenetic position of its RdRp gene, AsCV1 should be considered a member of a new species in the genus Alphachrysovirus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first alphachrysovirus identified from phytopathogenic A. solani.

A mycovirus modulates the endophytic and pathogenic traits of a plant associated fungus

Fungi are generally thought to live in host plants with a single lifestyle, being parasitism, commensalism, or mutualism. The former, known as phytopathogenic fungi, cause various plant diseases that result in significant losses every year; while the latter, such as endophytic fungi, can confer fitness to the host plants. It is unclear whether biological factors can modulate the parasitic and mutualistic traits of a fungus. In this study, we isolated and characterized a mycovirus from an endophytic strain of the fungus Pestalotiopsis theae, a pathogen of tea (Camellia sinensis). Based on molecular analysis, we tentatively designated the mycovirus as Pestalotiopsis theae chrysovirus-1 (PtCV1), a novel member of the family Chrysoviridae, genus Alphachrysovirus. PtCV1 has four double-stranded (ds) RNAs as its genome, ranging from 0.9 to 3.4 kbp in size, encapsidated in isometric particles. PtCV1 significantly reduced the growth rates of its host fungus in vitro (ANOVA; P-value < 0.001) and abolished its virulence in planta (ANOVA; P-value < 0.001), converting its host fungus to a non-pathogenic endophyte on tea leaves, while PtCV1-free isolates were highly virulent. Moreover, the presence of PtCV1 conferred high resistance to the host plants against the virulent P. theae strains. Here we report a mycovirus that modulates endophytic and phytopathogenic fungal traits and provides an alternative approach to biological control of plant diseases caused by fungi.

Two distant helicases in one mycovirus: evidence of horizontal gene transfer between mycoviruses, coronaviruses and other nidoviruses

Nidovirales, which accommodates viruses with the largest RNA genomes, includes the notorious coronaviruses; however, the evolutionary route for nidoviruses is not well understood. We have characterized a positive-sense (+) single-stranded (ss) RNA mycovirus, Rhizoctonia solani hypovirus 2 (RsHV2), from the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. RsHV2 has the largest RNA genome size of 22,219 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail, in all known mycoviruses, and contains two open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2). ORF1 encodes a protein of 2,009 amino acid (aa) that includes a conserved helicase domain belonging to helicase superfamily I (SFI). In contrast, ORF2 encodes a polyprotein of 4459 aa containing the hallmark genes of hypoviruses. The latter includes a helicase belonging to SFII. Following phylogenetic analysis, the ORF1-encoded helicase (Hel1) unexpectedly clustered in an independent evolutionary branch together with nidovirus helicases, including coronaviruses, and bacteria helicases. Thus, Hel1 presence indicates the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer between viruses and bacteria. These findings also suggest that RsHV2 is most likely a recombinant arising between hypoviruses and nidoviruses.

Cryphonectria nitschkei chrysovirus 1 with unique molecular features and a very narrow host range

Cryphonectria nitschkei chrysovirus 1 (CnCV1), was described earlier from an ascomycetous fungus, Cryphonectria nitschkei strain OB5/11, collected in Japan; its partial sequence was reported a decade ago. Complete sequencing of the four genomic dsRNA segments revealed molecular features similar to but distinct from previously reported members of the family Chrysoviridae. Unique features include the presence of a mini-cistron preceding the major large open reading frame in each genomic segment. Common features include the presence of CAA repeats in the 5'-untranslated regions and conserved terminal sequences. CnCV1-OB5/11 could be laterally transferred to C. nitschkei and its relatives C. radicalis and C. naterciae via coculturing, virion transfection and protoplast fusion, but not to fungal species other than the three species mentioned above, even within the genus Cryphonectria, suggesting a very narrow host range. Phenotypic comparison of a few sets of CnCV1-infected and -free isogenic strains showed symptomless infection in new hosts.

Structure and assembly of double-stranded RNA mycoviruses

Mycoviruses are a diverse group that includes ssRNA, dsRNA, and ssDNA viruses, with or without a protein capsid, as well as with a complex envelope. Most mycoviruses are transmitted by cytoplasmic interchange and are thought to lack an extracellular phase in their infection cycle. Structural analysis has focused on dsRNA mycoviruses, which usually package their genome in a 120-subunit T=1 icosahedral capsid, with a capsid protein (CP) dimer as the asymmetric unit. The atomic structure is available for four dsRNA mycovirus from different families: Saccharomyces cerevisiae virus L-A (ScV-L-A), Penicillium chrysogenum virus (PcV), Penicillium stoloniferum virus F (PsV-F), and Rosellinia necatrix quadrivirus 1 (RnQV1). Their capsids show structural variations of the same framework, with asymmetric or symmetric CP dimers respectively for ScV-L-A and PsV-F, dimers of similar domains of a single CP for PcV, or of two different proteins for RnQV1. The CP dimer is the building block, and assembly proceeds through dimers of dimers or pentamers of dimers, in which the genome is packed as ssRNA by interaction with CP and/or viral polymerase. These capsids remain structurally undisturbed throughout the viral cycle. The T=1 capsid participates in RNA synthesis, organizing the viral polymerase (1-2 copies) and a single loosely packaged genome segment. It also acts as a molecular sieve, to allow the passage of viral transcripts and nucleotides, but to prevent triggering of host defense mechanisms. Due to the close mycovirus-host relationship, CP evolved to allocate peptide insertions with enzyme activity, as reflected in a rough outer capsid surface.

A Novel Virus Alters Gene Expression and Vacuolar Morphology in Malassezia Cells and Induces a TLR3-Mediated Inflammatory Immune Response

Malassezia is the most dominant fungal genus on the human skin surface and is associated with various skin diseases including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Among Malassezia species, Malassezia restricta is the most widely observed species on the human skin. In the current study, we identified a novel dsRNA virus, named MrV40, in M. restricta and characterized the sequence and structure of the viral genome along with an independent satellite dsRNA viral segment. Moreover, expression of genes involved in ribosomal synthesis and programmed cell death was altered, indicating that virus infection affected the physiology of the fungal host cells. Our data also showed that the viral nucleic acid from MrV40 induces a TLR3-mediated inflammatory immune response in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, indicating that a viral element likely contributes to the pathogenicity of Malassezia. This is the first study to identify and characterize a novel mycovirus in Malassezia.

Most fungal viruses have been identified in plant pathogens, whereas the presence of viral particles in human-pathogenic fungi is less well studied. In the present study, we observed extrachromosomal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segments in various clinical isolates of Malassezia species. Malassezia is the most dominant fungal genus on the human skin surface, and species in this group are considered etiological factors of various skin diseases including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. We identified novel dsRNA segments, and our sequencing results revealed that the virus, named MrV40, belongs to the Totiviridae family and contains an additional satellite dsRNA segment encoding a novel protein. The transcriptome of virus-infected Malassezia restricta cells was compared to that of virus-cured cells, and the results showed that transcripts involved in ribosomal biosynthesis were downregulated and those involved in energy production and programmed cell death were upregulated. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly larger vacuoles in virus-infected M. restricta cells, indicating that MrV40 infection dramatically altered M. restricta physiology. Our analysis also revealed that viral nucleic acid from MrV40 induced a TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3)-mediated inflammatory immune response in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, suggesting that a viral element contributes to the pathogenicity of Malassezia.

Diverse Partitiviruses From the Phytopathogenic Fungus, Rosellinia necatrix

Partitiviruses (dsRNA viruses, family Partitiviridae) are ubiquitously detected in plants and fungi. Although previous surveys suggested their omnipresence in the white root rot fungus, Rosellinia necatrix, only a few of them have been molecularly and biologically characterized thus far. We report the characterization of a total of 20 partitiviruses from 16 R. necatrix strains belonging to 15 new species, for which “Rosellinia necatrix partitivirus 11–Rosellinia necatrix partitivirus 25” were proposed, and 5 previously reported species. The newly identified partitiviruses have been taxonomically placed in two genera, Alphapartitivirus, and Betapartitivirus. Some partitiviruses were transfected into reference strains of the natural host, R. necatrix, and an experimental host, Cryphonectria parasitica, using purified virions. A comparative analysis of resultant transfectants revealed interesting differences and similarities between the RNA accumulation and symptom induction patterns of R. necatrix and C. parasitica. Other interesting findings include the identification of a probable reassortment event and a quintuple partitivirus infection of a single fungal strain. These combined results provide a foundation for further studies aimed at elucidating mechanisms that underly the differences observed.

Molecular characterization of a novel botoulivirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia minor

In this study, the complete genomic sequence of a novel botoulivirus (Sclerotinia minor botoulivirus 1, SmBV1) from the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia minor strain LC45 was determined. The genome of SmBV1 is 2,882 nucleotides in length and contains a single large open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SmBV1 clustered with the botoulivirus clade within the family Botourmiaviridae. This is the first report of a botoulivirus in S. minor.

Analysis of an Intrinsic Mycovirus Associated With Reduced Virulence of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus is an airborne fungal pathogen that causes severe infections with invasive growth in immunocompromised patients. Several mycoviruses have recently been isolated from A. fumigatus strains, but there are presently no reports of mycoviral-mediated reduction or elimination of fungal pathogenicity in vertebrate models. Here, we report the biological features of a novel mycovirus, A. fumigatus chrysovirus 41362 (AfuCV41362), isolated from the hypovirulent A. fumigatus strain IFM 41362. The AfuCV41362 genome is comprised of four dsRNAs, each of which contains a single ORF (ORF1-4). ORF1 encodes a protein with sequence similarity to RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of viruses in the family Chrysoviridae, while ORF3 encodes a putative capsid protein. Viral RNAs are expressed primarily during the germination stage, and RNA-seq analysis of virus-infected A. fumigatus at the germination stage suggested that the virus suppressed expression of several pathogenicity-associated host genes, including hypoxia adaptation and nitric oxide detoxification genes. In vitro functional analysis revealed that the virus-infected strain had reduced tolerance to environmental stressors. Virus-infected A. fumigatus strain IFM 41362 had reduced virulence in vivo compared to the virus-free strain in a mouse infection model. Furthermore, introduction of the mycovirus to a natively virus-free KU A. fumigatus strain induced virus-infected phenotypes. To identify mycovirus genes responsible for the reduced virulence of A. fumigatus, each viral ORF was ectopically expressed in the virus-free KU strain. Ectopic expression of the individual ORFs only nominally reduced virulence of the host fungus in a mouse infection model. However, we found that ORF3 and ORF4 reduced tolerance to environmental stresses in in vitro analysis. Based on these results, we suggest that the AfuCV41362 mycovirus ORF3 and ORF4 reduce fungal virulence by suppressing stress tolerance together with other viral genes, rather than alone.

Blue-White Colony Selection of Virus-Infected Isogenic Recipients Based on a Chrysovirus Isolated from Penicillium italicum

Mycoviruses have been found to infect more than 12 species of Penicillium, but have not been isolated from Penicillium italicum (P. italicum). In this study, we isolated and characterized a new double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus, designated Penicillium italicum chrysovirus 1 (PiCV1), from the citrus pathogen P. italicum HSPi-YN1. Viral genome sequencing and molecular characterization indicated that PiCV1 was highly homologous to the previously described Penicillium chrysogenum virus. We further constructed the mutant HSPi-YN1ΔpksP defective in the polyketide synthase gene (pksP), which is involved in pigment biosynthesis, and these mutants formed albino (white) colonies. Then we applied hyphal anastomosis method to horizontally transmit PiCV1 from the white virus-donors (i.e., HSPi-YN1 mutants) to wild-type recipients (i.e., P. italicum strains HSPi-CQ54, HSPi-HB4, and HSPi-HN1), and the desirable PiCV1-infected isogenic recipients, a certain part of blue wild-type strains, can be eventually selected and confirmed by viral genomic dsRNA profile analysis. This blue-white colony screening would be an easier method to select virus-infected P. italicum recipients, according to distinguishable color phenotypes between blue virus-recipients and white virus-donors. In summary, the current work newly isolated and characterized PiCV1, verified its horizontal transmission among dually cultured P. italicum isolates, and based on these, established an effective and simplified approach to screen PiCV1-infected isogenic recipients.

Hiding in plain sight: New virus genomes discovered via a systematic analysis of fungal public transcriptomes

The distribution and diversity of RNA viruses in fungi is incompletely understood due to the often cryptic nature of mycoviral infections and the focused study of primarily pathogenic and/or economically important fungi. As most viruses that are known to infect fungi possess either single-stranded or double-stranded RNA genomes, transcriptomic data provides the opportunity to query for viruses in diverse fungal samples without any a priori knowledge of virus infection. Here we describe a systematic survey of all transcriptomic datasets from fungi belonging to the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Using a simple but effective computational pipeline that uses reads discarded during normal RNA-seq analyses, followed by identification of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) motif in de novo assembled contigs, 59 viruses from 44 different fungi were identified. Among the viruses identified, 88% were determined to be new species and 68% are, to our knowledge, the first virus described from the fungal species. Comprehensive analyses of both nucleotide and inferred protein sequences characterize the phylogenetic relationships between these viruses and the known set of mycoviral sequences and support the classification of up to four new families and two new genera. Thus the results provide a deeper understanding of the scope of mycoviral diversity while also increasing the distribution of fungal hosts. Further, this study demonstrates the suitability of analyzing RNA-seq data to facilitate rapid discovery of new viruses.

Molecular Characterization of a Chrysovirus Isolated From the Citrus Pathogen Penicillium crustosum and Related Fungicide Resistance Analysis

Penicillium sp. are damaging to a range of foods and fruits including citrus. To date, double-stranded (ds)RNA viruses have been reported in most Penicillium species but not in citrus pathogen P. crustosum. Here we report a novel dsRNA virus, designated as Penicillium crustosum chrysovirus 1 (PcCV1) and isolated from P. crustosum strain HS-CQ15. PcCV1 genome comprises four dsRNA segments, referred to as dsRNA1, dsRNA2, dsRNA3, and dsRNA4, which are 3600, 3177, 3078, and 2808 bp in length, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of four open reading frames (ORFs) in the PcCV1 genome. ORF1 in dsRNA1 encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and ORF2 in dsRNA2 encodes a putative coat protein (CP). The two remaining ORFs, ORF3 in dsRNA3 and ORF4 in dsRNA4, encode proteins of unknown function. Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp sequences showed that PcCV1 clusters with other members of the genus Chrysovirus, family Chrysoviridae. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis revealed that the PcCV1 visions are approximately 40 nm in diameter. Regarding biological effects of PcCV1, HS-CQ15 harboring the chrysovirus exhibited no obvious difference in colony morphology under fungicide-free conditions but decreased resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI)-fungicide prochloraz, as compared to PcCV1-cured strain. Here we provide the first evidence of a virus present in citrus pathogenic fungus P. crustosum and the chrysovirus-induced change in fungicide-resistance of its host fungus.

A 1,000-Year-Old RNA Virus

Only a few RNA viruses have been discovered from archaeological samples, the oldest dating from about 750 years ago. Using ancient maize cobs from Antelope house, Arizona, dating from ca. 1,000 CE, we discovered a novel plant virus with a double-stranded RNA genome. The virus is a member of the family Chrysoviridae that infect plants and fungi in a persistent manner. The extracted double-stranded RNA from 312 maize cobs was converted to cDNA, and sequences were determined using an Illumina HiSeq 2000. Assembled contigs from many samples showed similarity to Anthurium mosaic-associated virus and Persea americana chrysovirus, putative species in the Chrysovirus genus, and nearly complete genomes were found in three ancient maize samples. We named this new virus Zea mays chrysovirus 1. Using specific primers, we were able to recover sequences of a closely related virus from modern maize and obtained the nearly complete sequences of the three genomic RNAs. Comparing the nucleotide sequences of the three genomic RNAs of the modern and ancient viruses showed 98, 96.7, and 97.4% identities, respectively. Hence, in 1,000 years of maize cultivation, this virus has undergone about 3% divergence.IMPORTANCE A virus related to plant chrysoviruses was found in numerous ancient samples of maize, with nearly complete genomes in three samples. The age of the ancient samples (i.e., about 1,000 years old) was confirmed by carbon dating. Chrysoviruses are persistent plant viruses. They infect their hosts from generation to generation by transmission through seeds and can remain in their hosts for very long time periods. When modern corn samples were analyzed, a closely related chrysovirus was found with only about 3% divergence from the ancient sequences. This virus represents the oldest known plant virus.

A novel chrysovirus from a clinical isolate of Aspergillus thermomutatus affects sporulation

A clinical isolate of Aspergillus thermomutatus (Teleomorph: Neosartorya pseudofischeri) was found to contain ~35 nm isometric virus-like particles associated with four double-stranded (ds) RNA segments, each of which coded for a single open reading frame. The longest dsRNA element (3589 nt) encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (1114 aa), the second longest dsRNA element (2772 nt) encodes a coat protein (825 aa), and the other two dsRNAs (2676 nt, 2514 nt) encode hypothetical proteins of 768 aa and 711 aa, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences showed 41-60% similarity to the proteins coded by the dsRNAs of the most closely related virus, Penicillium janczewskii chrysovirus 2, indicating that it is a new species based on the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses criteria for the genus Chrysovirus. This is the first virus reported from A. thermomutatus and was tentatively named Aspergillus thermomutatus chrysovirus 1. A virus free line of the fungal isolate, cured by cycloheximide treatment, produced large numbers of conidia but no ascospores at both 20°C and 37°C, whereas the virus infected line produced ten-fold fewer conidia at 20°C and a large number of ascospores at both temperatures. The effects of the virus on fungal sporulation have interesting implications for the spread of the fungus and possible use of the virus as a biological control agent.

My Life and Virus Research Journey

My long career in virology has been a continuous learning exercise with a very modest start. Virology and related pertinent fields have changed significantly during my lifetime. Sometimes I wish that my career had just started and I could apply all available and state of the art technology to solving problems and explaining intriguing observations. I was always convinced that visiting growers' fields is essential for researchers to get firsthand observations and knowledge of virus disease problems under field conditions. I never thought I would pursue so many avenues of research, yet it is true that research never ends. I enjoyed dissecting strain diversity in a very important plant pathogen like bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) and using BPMV-based vectors to address fundamental virology questions. Lastly, solving the enigma of the transmissible disease of Helminthosporium victoriae and attempting to gain an understanding of the molecular basis of disease in a plant pathogenic fungus were thrilling.

Capsid Structure of dsRNA Fungal Viruses

Most fungal, double-stranded (ds) RNA viruses lack an extracellular life cycle stage and are transmitted by cytoplasmic interchange. dsRNA mycovirus capsids are based on a 120-subunit T = 1 capsid, with a dimer as the asymmetric unit. These capsids, which remain structurally undisturbed throughout the viral cycle, nevertheless, are dynamic particles involved in the organization of the viral genome and the viral polymerase necessary for RNA synthesis. The atomic structure of the T = 1 capsids of four mycoviruses was resolved: the L-A virus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScV-L-A), Penicillium chrysogenum virus (PcV), Penicillium stoloniferum virus F (PsV-F), and Rosellinia necatrix quadrivirus 1 (RnQV1). These capsids show structural variations of the same framework, with 60 asymmetric or symmetric homodimers for ScV-L-A and PsV-F, respectively, monomers with a duplicated similar domain for PcV, and heterodimers of two different proteins for RnQV1. Mycovirus capsid proteins (CP) share a conserved α-helical domain, although the latter may carry different peptides inserted at preferential hotspots. Insertions in the CP outer surface are likely associated with enzymatic activities. Within the capsid, fungal dsRNA viruses show a low degree of genome compaction compared to reoviruses, and contain one to two copies of the RNA-polymerase complex per virion.

Two Novel Hypovirulence-Associated Mycoviruses in the Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea: Molecular Characterization and Suppression of Infection Cushion Formation

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus causing disease on many important agricultural crops. Two novel mycoviruses, namely Botrytis cinerea hypovirus 1 (BcHV1) and Botrytis cinerea fusarivirus 1 (BcFV1), were fully sequenced. The genome of BcHV1 is 10,214 nt long excluding a poly-A tail and possesses one large open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein possessing several conserved domains including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), showing homology to hypovirus-encoded polyproteins. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BcHV1 may belong to the proposed genus Betahypovirus in the viral family Hypoviridae. The genome of BcFV1 is 8411 nt in length excluding the poly A tail and theoretically processes two major ORFs, namely ORF1 and ORF2. The larger ORF1 encoded polypeptide contains protein domains of an RdRp and a viral helicase, whereas the function of smaller ORF2 remains unknown. The BcFV1 was phylogenetically clustered with other fusariviruses forming an independent branch, indicating BcFV1 was a member in Fusariviridae. Both BcHV1 and BcFV1 were capable of being transmitted horizontally through hyphal anastomosis. Infection by BcHV1 alone caused attenuated virulence without affecting mycelial growth, significantly inhibited infection cushion (IC) formation, and altered expression of several IC-formation-associated genes. However, wound inoculation could fully rescue the virulence phenotype of the BcHV1 infected isolate. These results indicate the BcHV1-associated hypovirulence is caused by the viral influence on IC-formation-associated pathways.

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Hepta-Segmented dsRNA Virus From the Phytopathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum fructicola

A novel hepta-segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus was isolated and characterized from the strain FJ-4 of the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum fructicola, and was named Colletotrichum fructicola chrysovirus 1 (CfCV1). The full-length cDNAs of dsRNA1–7 were 3620, 2801, 2687, 2437, 1750, 1536, and 1211 bp, respectively. The 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions of the seven dsRNAs share highly similar internal sequence and contain conserved sequence stretches, indicating that they have a common virus origin. The 5′-and 3′-UTRs of the seven dsRNAs were predicted to fold into stable stem-loop structures. CfCV1 contains spherical virions that are 35 nm in diameter consisting of seven segments. The largest dsRNA of CfCV1 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and the second dsRNA encodes a viral capsid protein (CP). The dsRNA5 encodes a C2H2-type zinc finger protein containing an R-rich region and a G-rich region. The smallest dsRNA is a satellite-like RNA. The functions of the other proteins encoded by dsRNA3, dsRNA4, dsRNA6 are unknown. Phylogenetic analysis, based on RdRp and CP, indicated that CfCV1 is phylogenetically related to Botryosphaeria dothidea chrysovirus 1 (BdCV1), and Penicillium janczewskii chrysovirus 2 (PjCV2), a cluster of an independent cluster II group in the family Chrysoviridae. Importantly, all the seven segments of CfCV1 were transmitted successfully to other virus-free strains with an all-or-none fashion. CfCV1 exerts minor influence on the growth of C. fructicola but can confer hypovirulence to the fungal host. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a hepta-segmented tentative chrysovirus in C. fructicola.

Molecular characterization of a novel mycovirus in Alternaria alternata manifesting two-sided effects: Down-regulation of host growth and up-regulation of host plant pathogenicity

A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus was detected in a strain of Alternaria alternata showing impaired growth phenotypes. The A. alternata strain is the Japanese pear pathotype, which produces a host-specific AK-toxin. Sequence analysis of the viral genome dsRNAs revealed that this mycovirus consists of five dsRNAs and is evolutionarily related to members of the family Chrysoviridae; the virus was named Alternaria alternata chrysovirus 1 (AaCV1). AaCV1-ORF2 protein accumulated in dsRNA-high-titer sub-isolates with severely impaired phenotypes; heterologous AaCV1-ORF2 overexpression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused growth inhibition. In contrast to this yeast growth inhibition phenomenon, the dsRNA-high-titer isolates displayed enhanced pathogenicity against Japanese pear plants, in accordance with a 13-fold increase in AK-toxin level in one such isolate. These findings indicated that AaCV1 is a novel mycovirus that exhibits two contrasting effects, impairing growth of the host fungus while rendering the host 'hypervirulent' to the plant.

Reprint of "The victorivirus Helminthosporium victoriae virus 190S is the primary cause of disease/hypovirulence in its natural host and a heterologous host"

A transmissible disease of the plant pathogenic fungus Helminthosporium victoriae, the causal agent of Victoria blight of oats, was reported more than 50 years ago. Diseased, but not normal, isolates, of H. victoriae contain two distinct viruses designated according to their sedimentation values as victorivirus Helminthosporium victoriae virus 190S (HvV190S) and chrysovirus Helminthosporium victoriae 145S (HvV145S). Although a viral etiology of the disease was previously proposed, conclusive evidence was lacking. Here we present unequivocal evidence based on transfecting virus-free H. victoriae protoplasts with purified virus particles showing that HvV190S is essential for disease development. Furthermore, we show an expansion of the host range of HvV190S to include Cryphonectria parasitica and we also show similarity in a subset of phenotypic traits between HvV190S-infected RNA silencing deficient mutant (Δdcl-2) of C. parasitica and a strain of H. victoriae. In virulence assays on detached American chestnut branches and Red Delicious apple fruits, HvV190S-infected C. parasitica strain Δdcl-2 was markedly less virulent than wild type and virus-free Δdcl-2 C. parasitica strains. Furthermore, the hypovirulent HvV190S-infected C. parasitica Δdcl-2 strain exhibited strong antifungal activity in dual culture with the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. No such inhibitory activity was observed in comparable dual cultures with wild type and virus-free Δdcl-2 C. parasitica strains. The discovery that infection with HvV190S induced a hypovirulent phenotype in a heterologous plant pathogenic host is very significant since it might be possible to convert other economically important plant pathogenic fungi to hypovirulence using HvV190S.

ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Chrysoviridae

The Chrysoviridae is a family of small, isometric, non-enveloped viruses (40 nm in diameter) with segmented dsRNA genomes (typically four segments). The genome segments are individually encapsidated and together comprise 11.5–12.8 kbp. The single genus Chrysovirus includes nine species. Chrysoviruses lack an extracellular phase to their life cycle; they are transmitted via intracellular routes within an individual during hyphal growth, in asexual or sexual spores, or between individuals via hyphal anastomosis. There are no known natural vectors for chrysoviruses. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Chrysoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/chrysoviridae.

Biological and Molecular Characteristics of a Novel Partitivirus Infecting the Edible Fungus Lentinula edodes

A new partitivirus named Lentinula edodes partitivirus 1 (LePV1) was isolated from a diseased L. edodes strain with severe degeneration of the mycelium and imperfect browning in bag cultures. The nucleotide sequences of LePV1 dsRNA-1 and dsRNA-2 were determined; they were 2,382 bp and 2,245 bp in length, and each contained a single ORF encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP), respectively. The purified virus preparation contained isometric particles 34 nm in diameter encapsidating these dsRNAs. Phylogenetic analyses showed LePV1 to be a new member of Betapartitivirus, with the RdRp sequence most closely related to Grapevine partitivirus. RT-PCR analysis showed that 27 of the 56 Chinese L. edodes core collection strains carry LePV1, with the virus being more common in wild strains than cultivated strains. In addition, qPCR analysis suggested that coinfection with L. edodes mycovirus HKB (LeV-HKB) could increase replication of the RdRp gene of LePV1. This study may be essential for the development of more accurate disease diagnostics and the formulation of control strategies for viral diseases in L. edodes.

Complete genome sequence of a novel mitovirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae

A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segment was isolated from the filamentous phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae and its full-length cDNA sequence (3038 nucleotides) was determined. Sequence analysis revealed that a large open reading frame (ORF) is present on the positive strand of this dsRNA segment when the mitochondrial genetic code was applied. The ORF encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which shares the closest similarity with Rhizoctonia mitovirus 1 and Rhizophagus sp. RF1 mitovirus, with 43% and 29% identity, respectively. This dsRNA segment represents the replication form of a novel mitovirus that was temporarily designated Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae mitovirus 1 (RoMV1). Phylogenetic analysis further suggested that RoMV1 belongs to the family Narnaviridae. This is the first study to report a mitovirus genome sequence in the phytopathogenic fungus R. oryzae-sativae.

Identification and sequence determination of a new chrysovirus infecting the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria javanica

A new double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus has been identified in the isolate NB IFR-19 of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria javanica. Isaria javanica chrysovirus-1 (IjCV-1) constitutes a new member of the Chrysoviridae family, and its genome is made up of four dsRNA elements designated dsRNA1, 2, 3 and 4 from largest to smallest. dsRNA1 and dsRNA2 encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a coat protein (CP), respectively. dsRNA3 and 4 encode hypothetical proteins of unknown function. IjCV-1 constitutes the first report of a chrysovirus infecting the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria javanica.

The genome sequence of Brassica campestris chrysovirus 1, a novel putative plant-infecting tripartite chrysovirus

A putative chrysovirus recovered from Brassica campestris var. purpurea and provisionally named "Brassica campestris chrysovirus 1" (BrcCV1) was sequenced. The genome of the putative BrcCV1 consists of three double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) comprising 3,639 (dsRNA 1), 3,567 (dsRNA 2) and 3,337 (dsRNA 3) base pairs, respectively, each containing a single open reading frame (ORF 1-3). The putative proteins encoded by ORF 1-3 show homologies to RdRp, CP and chryso-P3 of approved or tentative chrysoviruses. In addition, the three dsRNAs of BrcCV1 contain highly conserved 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) in a way similar to known chrysoviruses. In a phylogenetic tree based on the conserved amino acid sequences of the RdRps of chrysoviruses, totiviruses and partitiviruses, the putative BrcCV1 formed a separate clade with Raphanus sativus chrysovirus 1 (RasCV1), a putative trisegmented, plant-infecting chrysovirus, in the family Chrysoviridae.

Duplications in the 3' termini of three segments of Fusarium graminearum virus China 9

The hypovirulence-inducing Fusarium graminearum virus China 9 (FgV-ch9) was described recently and is closely related to the Fusarium graminearum mycovirus-2 (FgV2). Both viruses share common properties of viruses belonging to the family Chrysoviridae. Re-sequencing of FgV-ch9 revealed duplications of the 3' non-coding regions of segments 2 and 3. Both duplications are arranged in a head-to-tail array, are attached to the complete terminus, and do not affect the encoded gene. An internal duplication was found in segment 5. This duplication resulted in an increase in the size of the encoded protein. In silico analysis showed similar duplications in segments 2 and 3 of FgV2.

Molecular characterization of a novel endornavirus from the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea

The complete sequence of a novel endornavirus (Botrytis cinerea endornavirus 1, BcEV1) from the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea strain HBtom-372 was determined. The BcEV1 coding strand is 11,557 nucleotides long, possessing an open reading frame (ORF) that codes for a polyprotein of 3,787 amino acid residues and lacks a site-specific nick. The polyprotein contains viral methyltransferase (MTR) domain, a cysteine-rich region (CRR), two putative viral helicase (DEXDc-like and Hel-1) domains, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase_2 (RdRp_2) domain. In phylogenetic analysis, BcEV1 clustered with several fungal endornaviruses, forming an independent clade, and it was detected in 4.2 % of B. cinerea strains collected from central China.

Molecular Characterization of a Trisegmented Mycovirus from the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

A novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, consisting of three dsRNA genome segments and possibly belonging to the family Chrysoviridae, was isolated from the filamentous phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and designated as Colletotrichum gloeosprioides chrysovirus 1 (CgCV1). The three dsRNAs of the CgCV1 genome with lengths of 3397, 2869, and 2630 bp (dsRNAs1–3) were found to contain a single open reading frame (ORF) putatively encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a capsid protein, and a protease, respectively, all of which exhibited some degree of sequence similarity to the comparable putative proteins encoded by the genus Chrysovirus. The 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions in each dsRNA segment contained similar sequences that were strictly conserved at the termini. Moreover, isometric virus-like particles (VLPs) with a diameter of approximately 40 nm were extracted from fungal mycelia. Phylogenetic analysis based on the conserved dsRNA1-encoded RdRp showed that CgCV1 is a new virus belonging to the Chrysoviridae family. BLAST analysis revealed the presence of CgCV1-like sequences in the chromosomes of Medicago truncatula and Solanum tuberosum. Moreover, some sequences in the transcriptome shotgun assembly (TSA) library and expressed sequence tag database (ESTdb) of other eudicot and monocot plants were also found to be related to CgCV1.

The victorivirus Helminthosporium victoriae virus 190S is the primary cause of disease/hypovirulence in its natural host and a heterologous host

A transmissible disease of the plant pathogenic fungus Helminthosporium victoriae, the causal agent of Victoria blight of oats, was reported more than 50 years ago. Diseased, but not normal, isolates, of H. victoriae contain two distinct viruses designated according to their sedimentation values as victorivirus Helminthosporium victoriae virus 190S (HvV190S) and chrysovirus Helminthosporium victoriae 145S (HvV145S). Although a viral etiology of the disease was previously proposed, conclusive evidence was lacking. Here we present unequivocal evidence based on transfecting virus-free H. victoriae protoplasts with purified virus particles showing that HvV190S is essential for disease development. Furthermore, we show an expansion of the host range of HvV190S to include Cryphonectria parasitica and we also show similarity in a subset of phenotypic traits between HvV190S-infected RNA silencing deficient mutant (Δdcl-2) of C. parasitica and a strain of H. victoriae. In virulence assays on detached American chestnut branches and Red Delicious apple fruits, HvV190S-infected C. parasitica strain Δdcl-2 was markedly less virulent than wild type and virus-free Δdcl-2 C. parasitica strains. Furthermore, the hypovirulent HvV190S-infected C. parasitica Δdcl-2 strain exhibited strong antifungal activity in dual culture with the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. No such inhibitory activity was observed in comparable dual cultures with wild type and virus-free Δdcl-2 C. parasitica strains. The discovery that infection with HvV190S induced a hypovirulent phenotype in a heterologous plant pathogenic host is very significant since it might be possible to convert other economically important plant pathogenic fungi to hypovirulence using HvV190S.

Characterization of a Novel Megabirnavirus from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Reveals Horizontal Gene Transfer from Single-Stranded RNA Virus to Double-Stranded RNA Virus

Mycoviruses have been detected in all major groups of filamentous fungi, and their study represents an important branch of virology. Here, we characterized a novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum megabirnavirus 1 (SsMBV1), in an apparently hypovirulent strain (SX466) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Two similarly sized dsRNA segments (L1- and L2-dsRNA), the genome of SsMBV1, are packaged in rigid spherical particles purified from strain SX466. The full-length cDNA sequence of L1-dsRNA/SsMBV1 comprises two large open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2), which encode a putative coat protein and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp domain clearly indicates that SsMBV1 is related to Rosellinia necatrix megabirnavirus 1 (RnMBV1). L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1 comprises two nonoverlapping ORFs (ORFA and ORFB) encoding two hypothetical proteins with unknown functions. The 5'-terminal regions of L1- and L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1 share strictly conserved sequences and form stable stem-loop structures. Although L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1 is dispensable for replication, genome packaging, and pathogenicity of SsMBV1, it enhances transcript accumulation of L1-dsRNA/SsMBV1 and stability of virus-like particles (VLPs). Interestingly, a conserved papain-like protease domain similar to a multifunctional protein (p29) of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 was detected in the ORFA-encoded protein of L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1. Phylogenetic analysis based on the protease domain suggests that horizontal gene transfer may have occurred from a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus (hypovirus) to a dsRNA virus, SsMBV1. Our results reveal that SsMBV1 has a slight impact on the fundamental biological characteristics of its host regardless of the presence or absence of L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1.

IMPORTANCE

Mycoviruses are widespread in all major fungal groups, and they possess diverse genomes of mostly ssRNA and dsRNA and, recently, circular ssDNA. Here, we have characterized a novel dsRNA virus (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum megabirnavirus 1 [SsMBV1]) that was isolated from an apparently hypovirulent strain, SX466, of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Although SsMBV1 is phylogenetically related to RnMBV1, SsMBV1 is markedly distinct from other reported megabirnaviruses with two features of VLPs and conserved domains. Our results convincingly showed that SsMBV1 is viable in the absence of L2-dsRNA/SsMBV1 (a potential large satellite-like RNA or genuine genomic virus component). More interestingly, we detected a conserved papain-like protease domain that commonly exists in ssRNA viruses, including members of the families Potyviridae and Hypoviridae. Phylogenetic analysis based on the protease domain suggests that horizontal gene transfer might have occurred from an ssRNA virus to a dsRNA virus, which may provide new insights into the evolutionary history of dsRNA and ssRNA viruses.

50-plus years of fungal viruses

Mycoviruses are widespread in all major taxa of fungi. They are transmitted intracellularly during cell division, sporogenesis, and/or cell-to-cell fusion (hyphal anastomosis), and thus their life cycles generally lack an extracellular phase. Their natural host ranges are limited to individuals within the same or closely related vegetative compatibility groups, although recent advances have established expanded experimental host ranges for some mycoviruses. Most known mycoviruses have dsRNA genomes packaged in isometric particles, but an increasing number of positive- or negative-strand ssRNA and ssDNA viruses have been isolated and characterized. Although many mycoviruses do not have marked effects on their hosts, those that reduce the virulence of their phytopathogenic fungal hosts are of considerable interest for development of novel biocontrol strategies. Mycoviruses that infect endophytic fungi and those that encode killer toxins are also of special interest. Structural analyses of mycoviruses have promoted better understanding of virus assembly, function, and evolution.

A novel partitivirus that confers hypovirulence on plant pathogenic fungi

Members of the family Partitiviridae have bisegmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes and are not generally known to cause obvious symptoms in their natural hosts. An unusual partitivirus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum partitivirus 1 (SsPV1/WF-1), conferred hypovirulence on its natural plant-pathogenic fungal host, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum strain WF-1. Cellular organelles, including mitochondria, were severely damaged. Hypovirulence and associated traits of strain WF-1 and SsPV1/WF-1 were readily cotransmitted horizontally via hyphal contact to different vegetative compatibility groups of S. sclerotiorum and interspecifically to Sclerotinia nivalis and Sclerotinia minor. S. sclerotiorum strain 1980 transfected with purified SsPV1/WF-1 virions also exhibited hypovirulence and associated traits similar to those of strain WF-1. Moreover, introduction of purified SsPV1/WF-1 virions into strain KY-1 of Botrytis cinerea also resulted in reductions in virulence and mycelial growth and, unexpectedly, enhanced conidial production. However, virus infection suppressed hyphal growth of most germinating conidia of B. cinerea and was eventually lethal to infected hyphae, since very few new colonies could develop following germ tube formation. Taken together, our results support the conclusion that SsPV1/WF-1 causes hypovirulence in Sclerotinia spp. and B. cinerea. Cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy) reconstruction of the SsPV1 particle shows that it has a distinct structure with similarity to the closely related partitiviruses Fusarium poae virus 1 and Penicillium stoloniferum virus F. These findings provide new insights into partitivirus biological activities and clues about molecular interactions between partitiviruses and their hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Members of the Partitiviridae are believed to occur commonly in their phytopathogenic fungal and plant hosts. However, most partitiviruses examined so far appear to be associated with latent infections. Here we report a partitivirus, SsPV1/WF-1, that was isolated from a hypovirulent strain of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and describe its biological and molecular features. We have demonstrated that SsPV1 confers hypovirulence. Furthermore, SsPV1 can infect and cause hypovirulence in Botrytis cinerea. Our study also suggests that SsPV1 has a vigorous ability to proliferate and spread via hyphal contact. SsPV1 can overcome vegetative incompatibility barriers and can be transmitted horizontally among different vegetative compatibility groups of S. sclerotiorum, even interspecifically. Cryo-EM reconstruction of SsPV1 shows that it has a distinct structure with similarity to closely related partitiviruses. Our studies exploit a novel system, SsPV1 and its hosts, which can provide the means to explore the mechanisms by which partitiviruses interact with their hosts.

Hypovirulence of the phytopathogenic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea: association with a coinfecting chrysovirus and a partitivirus

Botryosphaeria dothidea is an important pathogenic fungus causing fruit rot, leaf and stem ring spots and dieback, stem canker, stem death or stool mortality, and decline of pear trees. Seven double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs; dsRNAs 1 to 7 with sizes of 3,654, 2,773, 2,597, 2,574, 1,823, 1,623, and 511 bp, respectively) were identified in an isolate of B. dothidea exhibiting attenuated growth and virulence and a sectoring phenotype. Characterization of the dsRNAs revealed that they belong to two dsRNA mycoviruses. The four largest dsRNAs (dsRNAs 1 to 4) are the genomic components of a novel member of the family Chrysoviridae (tentatively designated Botryosphaeria dothidea chrysovirus 1 [BdCV1]), a view supported by the morphology of the virions and phylogenetic analysis of the putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps). Two other dsRNAs (dsRNAs 5 and 6) are the genomic components of a novel member of the family Partitiviridae (tentatively designated Botryosphaeria dothidea partitivirus 1 [BdPV1]), which is placed in a clade distinct from other established partitivirus genera on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of its RdRp. The smallest dsRNA, dsRNA7, seems to be a noncoding satellite RNA of BdPV1 on the basis of the conservation of its terminal sequences in BdPV1 genomic segments and its cosegregation with BdPV1 after horizontal transmission. This is the first report of a chrysovirus and a partitivirus infecting B. dothidea and of a chrysovirus associated with the hypovirulence of a phytopathogenic fungus.

IMPORTANCE

Our studies identified and characterized two novel mycoviruses, Botryosphaeria dothidea chrysovirus 1 (BdCV1) and Botryosphaeria dothidea partitivirus 1 (BdPV1), associated with the hypovirulence of an important fungus pathogenic to fruit trees. This is the first report of a chrysovirus and a partitivirus infecting B. dothidea and of a chrysovirus associated with the hypovirulence of a phytopathogenic fungus. BdCV1 appears to be a good candidate for the biological control of the serious disease induced by B. dothidea. Additionally, BdPV1 is placed in a clade distinct from the established genera. The BdCV1 capsid has two major structural proteins, and the capsid is distinct from that made up by a single polypeptide of the typical chrysoviruses. BdPV1 is the second partitivirus in which the putative capsid protein shares no significant identity with any mycovirus protein. A small accompanying dsRNA that is presumed to be a noncoding satellite RNA of BdPV1 is the first of its kind reported for a partitivirus.