Why the ocean virome matters

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Cryptic and abundant marine viruses at the evolutionary origins of Earth's RNA virome

Ahmed A. Zayed et al.

Summary: This study expands Earth's RNA virus catalogs and their taxonomy, investigates their evolutionary origins and marine biogeography, and reveals the need for substantive revisions of taxonomy for RNA viruses. The efforts provide foundational knowledge critical to integrating RNA viruses into ecological and epidemiological models.

SCIENCE (2022)

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Editorial Material Multidisciplinary Sciences

There's more to RNA viruses than diseases

Jessica M. Labonte et al.

SCIENCE (2022)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Diversity and ecological footprint of Global Ocean RNA viruses

Guillermo Dominguez-Huerta et al.

Summary: This study reveals patterns and predictors of marine RNA virus diversity and identifies their ecological impacts on marine ecosystems. The research also highlights unexpectedly high polar ecological interactions.

SCIENCE (2022)

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Review Microbiology

Priorities for ocean microbiome research

Andre Abreu et al.

Summary: Studying the ocean microbiome is crucial for ocean governance, addressing climate change and pollution, and achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Microbes play essential roles in marine ecology, participating in nutrient cycles, carbon dioxide removal, and supporting marine food webs. Technological advances have allowed for a better understanding of the taxonomic and functional diversity of the global ocean microbiome. Understanding and protecting the ocean microbiome can contribute to addressing environmental and societal challenges.

NATURE MICROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Ecology

Diversity and distribution of viruses inhabiting the deepest ocean on Earth

Huahua Jian et al.

Summary: By analyzing 19 microbial metagenomes from different oceanic trenches, this study established the oceanic trench viral genome dataset (OTVGD) and found that the trench viral communities exhibited high novelty and potential infection to ecologically important microbial clades. Inter-trench and intra-trench exchange of viral communities was proposed, along with niche-dependent distribution patterns and genomic properties in different habitats and ocean zones. Notably, viruses in the hadal zone seemed to prefer lysogenic lifestyles and had specific auxiliary metabolic genes, suggesting their impact on the hadal ecosystem.

ISME JOURNAL (2021)

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Review Microbiology