Comparative Genomics of Mutualistic Viruses in Parasitic Wasps
Author Information
Author(s): Desjardins Christopher A, Gundersen-Rindal Dawn E, Hostetler Jessica B, Tallon Luke J, Fadrosh Douglas W, Fuester Roger W, Pedroni Monica J, Haas Brian J, Schatz Michael C, Jones Kristine M, Crabtree Jonathan, Forberger Heather, Nene Vishvanath
Primary Institution: J Craig Venter Institute
Hypothesis
We hypothesize that transposable elements could facilitate the transfer of genes between proviral segments and host DNA.
Conclusion
The study confirms the rapid evolution of bracovirus genes, supporting the idea of an evolutionary arms race between the bracovirus and its caterpillar host.
Supporting Evidence
- The viral genomes of Glyptapanteles indiensis and Glyptapanteles flavicoxis were sequenced to approximately 8× coverage.
- Positive selection was found to be widespread among bracoviral genes.
- Phylogenetic analyses provided robust evidence of a wasp origin for some polydnavirus genes.
- Encapsidated Glyptapanteles indiensis and Glyptapanteles flavicoxis bracoviral genomes were found to be composed of 29 segments each.
Takeaway
This study looks at the DNA of viruses that help wasps survive in caterpillars, showing how these viruses change quickly to keep up with their hosts.
Methodology
Whole genome shotgun sequencing was used to analyze the viral genomes from female wasps.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sampling and sequencing methods could affect the results.
Limitations
The study may not account for all proviral loci due to incomplete sequencing.
Participant Demographics
The study involved two species of parasitic wasps, Glyptapanteles indiensis and Glyptapanteles flavicoxis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
3 × 10-8
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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