Giant Marseillevirus highlights the role of amoebae as a melting pot in emergence of chimeric microorganisms

摘要: Giant viruses such as Mimivirus isolated from amoeba found in aquatic habitats show biological sophistication comparable to that of simple cellular life forms and seem evolve by similar mechanisms, including extensive gene duplication horizontal transfer (HGT), possibly part through a viral parasite, the virophage. We report here isolation “Marseille” virus, previously uncharacterized giant virus amoeba. The virions Marseillevirus encompass 368-kb genome, minimum 49 proteins, some messenger RNAs. Phylogenetic analysis core genes indicates is prototype family nucleocytoplasmic large DNA (NCLDV) eukaryotes. genome repertoire composed typical NCLDV apparently obtained eukaryotic hosts their parasites or symbionts, both bacterial viral. propose amoebae are “melting pots” microbial evolution where diverse emerge, with complex repertoires various origins.