ARS | Publication request: Genomic Characterization of a Phytoreovirus species infecting the glassy-winged sharpshooter

Submitted to: American Society for Virology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2009
Publication Date: July 15, 2009
Citation: Stenger, D.C., Sisterson, M.S., Krugner, R., Backus, E.A., Hunter, W.B. 2009. Genomic Characterization of a Phytoreovirus species infecting the glassy-winged sharpshooter[abstract]. American Society for Virology Meeting. p.342.

Technical Abstract: A new Phytoreovirus species was isolated from glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS; Homalodisca vitripennis Germar) in California. Double-shelled isometric virus particles purified from adults resembled those observed in thin sections of salivary glands by transmission electron microscopy. Purified virions contained 12 dsRNA segments that ranged in size from 4,475 to 1,040 bp. Sequence comparisons indicated that the viral dsRNA segments were most closely related (58.5 to 43.7% nt sequence identity) to the corresponding genome segments of Rice dwarf virus (RDV). Terminal nucleotide sequences of viral positive-sense RNAs were similar to other phytoreoviruses (GGCG or GGCA at the 5’-end and UGAU or CGAU at the 3’-end) with adjacent imperfect inverted repeats potentially able to base pair. Phylogenetic analyses of the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (segment 1) and the outer capsid protein (segment 8) confirmed placement of the new virus species in the genus Phytoreovirus sharing a most recent common ancestor with RDV. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that infection of GWSS in California was common and that the virus also occurred in GWSS populations from the Carolinas and Texas.