ABSTRACT
The genome of a novel rhabdovirus was detected in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.). The newly identified virus, tentatively named "yerba mate virus A" (YmVA), has a genome of 14,961 nucleotides. Notably, eight open reading frames were identified in the antigenomic orientation of the negative-sense, single-stranded viral RNA, including two novel accessory genes, in the order 3'-N-P-3-4-M-G-L-8-5'. Sequence comparisons of the encoded proteins as well as phylogenetic analysis suggest that YmVA is a new member of the genus Cytorhabdovirus, family Rhabdoviridae. YmVA's unique genomic organization and phylogenetic relationships indicate that this virus likely represents a distinct evolutionary lineage among the cytorhabdoviruses.
Subject(s)
Ilex paraguariensis/virology , Plant Diseases/virology , Rhabdoviridae Infections/virology , Rhabdoviridae/classification , Argentina , Genome, Viral , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Open Reading Frames , PhylogenyABSTRACT
A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus was detected in Yerba mate samples showing chlorotic linear patterns, chlorotic rings and vein yellowing. The full-genome sequences of six different isolates of this ssDNA circular virus were obtained, which share > 99% sequence identity with each other. The newly identified virus has been tentatively named as yerba mate-associated circular DNA virus (YMaCV). The 2707 nt-long viral genome has two and three open reading frame on its complementary and virion-sense strands, respectively. The coat protein is more similar to that of mastreviruses (44% identity), whereas the replication-associated protein of YMaCV is more similar (49% identity) to that encoded by a recently described, unclassified ssDNA virus isolated on trees in Brazil. This is the first report of a circular DNA virus associated with yerba mate. Its unique genome organization and phylogenetic relationships indicates that YMaCV represents a distinct evolutionary lineage within the ssDNA viruses and therefore this virus should be classified as a member of a new species within an unassigned genus or family.
Subject(s)
DNA Viruses/classification , DNA Viruses/isolation & purification , DNA, Single-Stranded/genetics , DNA, Viral/genetics , Genome, Viral/genetics , Ilex paraguariensis/virology , Argentina , Base Sequence , Capsid Proteins/genetics , DNA Viruses/genetics , DNA, Circular/genetics , Open Reading Frames/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
We present the molecular characterization of a new virus infecting yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) in Argentina. Deep sequencing of diseased yerba mate plants showing chlorotic linear patterns, chlorotic rings, and vein yellowing resulted in the identification of a new virus resembling plant rhabdoviruses in sequence and genome structure. We have determined the complete genome sequence of this virus, which is 12,876 nt long. Seven open reading frames (ORFs) were identified in the antigenomic orientation of the negative-sense, single-stranded viral RNA, in the order 3'-N-P-P3-P4-M-G-L-5'. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the described virus is a new member of the genus Cytorhabdovirus, which was supported by the observation of rhabdovirus-like particles within the cytoplasm of infected yerba mate cells. The virus has been tentatively named "yerba mate chlorosis-associated virus" (YmCaV). The availability of the YmCaV genome sequence will contribute to assessing the genetic variability of this virus and determining its role in this yerba mate disease.
Subject(s)
Genome, Viral , Ilex paraguariensis/virology , Plant Viruses/genetics , RNA, Viral/genetics , Rhabdoviridae/genetics , Argentina , Cytoplasm/virology , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Ilex paraguariensis/cytology , Open Reading Frames , Plant Diseases/virology , Plant Viruses/isolation & purification , Rhabdoviridae/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
We present the first report of a virus infecting the subtropical tree crop yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.). Total RNA purification, followed by next-generation sequencing, transcripts assembly and annotation, resulted in the identification of a new endornavirus species infecting yerba mate. The complete sequence of the linear dsRNA viral genome is 13,954-nt long, contains a single 13,743 nt ORF, and presents a 149 nt 5'UTR and a 61 nt 3'UTR. The predicted ORF encodes a 4,581 aa polypeptide with a UDP-glucose glycosyl-transferase, a capsular polysaccharide synthesis protein, and a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain. The name yerba mate endornavirus is proposed for the identified virus. Due to the intriguing peculiarities of this virus family, and the complete lack of the yerba mate virus literature, we consider that the information reported here will be helpful in leading to a new and needed attention to this important topic and crop.
