Hidden diversity and macroevolutionary mode of Caulimoviridae uncovered by euphyllophyte paleoviruses

摘要: Few viruses have been documented in plants outside angiosperms. Endogenous viral elements (paleoviruses) provide molecular fossils for studying the deep history and macroevolution of viruses. plant pararetroviruses (EPRVs) are widespread across angiosperms, but little is known about EPRVs earlier branching plants. Here we use a large-scale phylogenomic approach to investigate diversity (formally as Caulimoviridae). We uncover an unprecedented unappreciated genomes gymnosperms ferns. The angiosperm only constitute minor part Caulimoviridae diversity. By characterizing distribution EPRVs, show that no major euphyllophyte lineages escape activity Caulimoviridae, raising possibility many exogenous remain be discovered euphyllophytes. find copy numbers generally high, suggesting define unique group repetitive represent components genomes. Phylogenetic analyses reveal ancient monilophyte origin at least three independent origins angiosperms by cross-division transmissions. Our findings remarkable important implications understanding pararetroviruses.