This study investigates the viral diversity, biogeography, activity, and metabolic roles of viruses beneath the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS), the largest Antarctic ice shelf. Using single-cell genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic data, the researchers found a community of mainly endemic viruses adapted to polar and mesopelagic environments. These viruses actively infect key ammonium and sulfur-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophs, exhibiting a 'kill-the-winner' dynamic. Genome analysis revealed auxiliary metabolic genes involved in nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus acquisition, suggesting a significant role for these viruses in shaping microbial metabolism and influencing global nutrient cycles.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Dec 14, 2023
Authors
Javier Lopez-Simon, Marina Vila-Nistal, Aleksandra Rosenova, Daniele De Corte, Federico Baltar, Manuel Martinez-Garcia
Tags
viral diversity
biogeography
antartic viruses
metabolic roles
nutrient cycles
microbial metabolism
chemolithoautotrophs
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