Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of a novel filamentous polymycovirus GbPmV1

TL;DR

This study discovers a new mycovirus in a fungus that helps the fungus resist stress and antifungal drugs.

Contribution

The discovery of a novel filamentous polymycovirus, GbPmV1, in the zygomycete fungus Gongronella butleri.

Findings

GbPmV1 has a genome of over 10,000 nucleotides with six dsRNAs.

Infection by GbPmV1 increases the host fungus's resistance to stress and antifungal azoles.

GbPmV1 produces unusual filamentous, virus-like particles.

Abstract

Mycoviruses are common in fungi and can change their host's functions. Here, we identify a novel dsRNA mycovirus GbPmV1 from the fungus Gongronella butleri. The genome of GbPmV1 exceeds 10,000 nucleotides and comprises six dsRNAs, with dsRNA1 encoding the RdRp and dsRNA6 encoding the capsid protein. GbPmV1 belongs to the family Polymycoviridae and shows unusual filamentous, virus‐like particles. Infection by GbPmV1 enhances the resistance of its fungal host to stresses and antifungal azoles. This study not only identifies a novel mycovirus in the zygomycete fungus G. butleri but also provides insights into the evolution and biological properties of polymycoviruses.

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