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A team from the University of Miami, led by marine biologist Benjamin Minch and virologist Mohammad Moniruzzaman, used specialized software to identify microbial genomes in seawater samples. During their research, the scientists discovered 230 species of giant viruses previously unknown to science. The identification of these viruses is crucial for understanding life in the ocean, particularly the survival of simple marine organisms like algae, amoebas, and flagellates. “If we better understand the diversity and role of giant viruses in the ocean, and how they interact with algae and other marine microbes, we can predict and potentially control harmful algal blooms that threaten human health,” Moniruzzaman said.
Why Are Giant Viruses Important? Recent advances in genomic databases, analytical tools, and computational programs (like the one used in this study) have made discovering giant viruses much easier than before. As a result, researchers have expanded their understanding of how these viruses spread and behave, according to Science Alert. For instance, giant viruses are often responsible for the death of phytoplankton, tiny photosynthetic organisms commonly found in oceans, lakes, and rivers. These organisms are vital to marine food webs and produce a substantial share of the Earth’s oxygen. Therefore, knowledge about the many virus species that prey on phytoplankton can help efforts to protect them.
In addition to the 230 new giant viruses, the researchers identified 569 new functional proteins, nine of which are involved in photosynthesis. In some cases, viruses may hijack the photosynthetic functions of their hosts to get the energy they need to survive. “We found that giant viruses possess genes involved in cellular functions, such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, that are traditionally found only in cellular organisms. This suggests that giant viruses play a significant role in manipulating the host’s metabolism during infection and influencing marine biogeochemistry,” Minch said.
The researchers classified the identified giant viruses into two groups: Imitervirales and Algavirales. These groups employ different infection strategies, with Imitervirales species being the most genetically complex. This indicates a more flexible “life strategy,” potentially allowing the virus to survive in a broader range of hosts. Every drop of seawater teems with viruses, and marine life helps protect us from many of them. Meanwhile, a vast number of viruses are still waiting to be discovered and cataloged. “This study has allowed us to lay the groundwork for improving tools to detect new viruses that will help monitor pollution and pathogens in our oceans,” Minch said. The findings were published in the journal Nature npj Viruses.
