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

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2021-02, Vol.554, p.55-65
• Main Authors: Shahi, Sabitree, Chiba, Sotaro, Kondo, Hideki, Suzuki, Nobuhiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5' Untranslated Regions; Ascomycota - virology; Chrysovirus; Cryphonectria nitschkei; Cryphonectria parasitica; Cryphonectria radicalis; Double Stranded RNA Viruses - genetics; Double Stranded RNA Viruses - physiology; Double Stranded RNA Viruses - ultrastructure; dsRNA; Fungal virus; Fungal Viruses - genetics; Fungal Viruses - physiology; Fungal Viruses - ultrastructure; Genome, Viral; Host range; Host Specificity; Phylogeny; RNA, Double-Stranded - genetics; RNA, Viral - genetics; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Transfection
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.11.011

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. •The alphachrysovirus CnCV1 was thoroughly characterized.•Each genomic segment possesses a mini-ORF preceding the major ORF.•CnCV1 was horizontally transmitted by virion transfection, protoplast fusion, and anastomosis.•Some Cryphonectria spp. Supported CnCV1 replication but others did not.•CnCV1 induced asymptomatic infections in newly established host fungi.