The First Identification of a Narnavirus in Bigyra, a Marine Protist

Current information on the diversity and evolution of eukaryotic RNA viruses is biased towards host lineages, such as animals, plants, and fungi. Although protists represent the majority of eukaryotic diversity, our understanding of the protist RNA virosphere is still limited. To reveal untapped RNA viral diversity, we screened RNA viruses from 30 marine protist isolates and identified a novel RNA virus named Haloplacidia narnavirus 1 (HpNV1). A phylogenetic analysis revealed that HpNV1 is a new member of the family Narnaviridae. The present study filled a gap in the distribution of narnaviruses and implies their wide distribution in Stramenopiles.

Automated summary

The current knowledge on eukaryotic RNA viruses mainly focuses on animals, plants, and fungi, with limited understanding of the protist RNA virosphere. To uncover untapped RNA viral diversity, researchers screened RNA viruses from 30 marine protist isolates and discovered a novel RNA virus, named Haloplacidia narnavirus 1 (HpNV1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HpNV1 belongs to the family Narnaviridae. This study fills a gap in the distribution of narnaviruses and suggests their wide presence in Stramenopiles.