The Unraveling of a Protist Genome Could Unlock the Mystery of Marine Viruses – SBU News

Unraveling the Genomes of Marine Protists and the Role of Viruses in Ocean Ecosystems

The world’s oceans are home to a vast and diverse ecosystem, with viruses playing a crucial role in its ecological and biogeochemical balance. However, our understanding of these marine viruses remains limited. In a groundbreaking study, an international research team led by scientists from Stony Brook University has unraveled the entire genome of a marine protist that may serve as a host for many viruses. This research sets the stage for future investigations into marine protist genomes, microbial dynamics, and the intricate interplay between host organisms and viruses. By shedding light on the “invisible” world of marine viruses, this study offers valuable insights into the ecology and health of oceans worldwide. The findings of this study align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

The Importance of Viruses in Ocean Ecosystems

The oceans’ food webs provide essential food sources for humanity and support a rich diversity of marine life. Microscopic organisms, including viruses, play a vital role in sustaining this ecosystem. However, our knowledge of these viruses is still limited. Through DNA research and other forms of investigation, scientists aim to learn more about these viruses and their impact on the sea. Recent discoveries, such as the “mirusviruses” featured in a Nature paper earlier this year, highlight the ongoing exploration of novel groups of viruses.

Unraveling the Genome of Aurantiochytrium limacinum

In this study published in Current Biology, co-lead authors Jackie Collier and Joshua Rest, along with their colleagues from Dalhousie University and the Joint Genome Institute, focused on the marine protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum. This protist belongs to the class Labyrinthulomycetes and has unique traits and biotechnological potential. By utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, the research team successfully assembled the entire genome of Aurantiochytrium, shedding light on its genetic structure and uncovering its role as a host for mirusviruses.

Insights into the Genome Structure of Aurantiochytrium limacinum

The researchers made several significant discoveries about the genome structure of Aurantiochytrium limacinum. They identified two genomic elements that bear a resemblance to mirusviruses. One element is a circular structure found in high copies, while the other integrates within the end of a chromosome. These findings draw parallels to herpesviruses, known for their ability to maintain latent infections in human and animal hosts. The study also revealed a unique configuration of ribosomal RNA genes and long repeats at the subtelomeric regions of Aurantiochytrium’s chromosomes, which may play a crucial role in chromosome end maintenance. Notably, one of the mirusvirus-like genomes was found integrated into one of these regions.

Aurantiochytrium limacinum: A Natural Host for Mirusviruses

The researchers’ data strongly suggest that Aurantiochytrium limacinum is a natural host for mirusviruses. This discovery marks the first known host for these viruses and indicates dynamic interactions between host and viral genomes. The presence of viral sequences integrated into the chromosome ends provides intriguing insights into the evolutionary ancestry of these elements. Furthermore, this finding aligns with growing evidence pointing towards the significant influence of mirusviruses in marine ecosystems.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This study contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water. By unraveling the genomes of marine protists and shedding light on the role of viruses in ocean ecosystems, scientists can better understand and protect the delicate balance of marine life. This knowledge is crucial for sustainable management and conservation efforts aimed at preserving the health and biodiversity of our oceans.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article discusses the importance of understanding marine viruses and their role in the ecological and biogeochemical balance of the oceans. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
• Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.

The article emphasizes the importance of understanding marine viruses to better comprehend the ecology and health of oceans worldwide. By studying marine protists and their interactions with viruses, scientists can contribute to the sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems, as well as the economic benefits derived from marine resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
• Indicator 14.7.1: Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing states, least developed countries, and all countries

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but the research on marine protists and their viruses contributes to the understanding of marine ecosystems and pollution. By monitoring the index of coastal eutrophication, floating plastic debris density, proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches, and sustainable fisheries, progress can be measured towards the targets related to marine pollution, ecosystem protection, and economic benefits.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news.stonybrook.edu

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