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Viruses under the Antarctic Ice Shelf are active and potentially involved in global nutrient cycles

Biology

Viruses under the Antarctic Ice Shelf are active and potentially involved in global nutrient cycles

J. Lopez-simon, M. Vila-nistal, et al.

Dive into the fascinating world beneath the Ross Ice Shelf, where a diverse community of endemic viruses plays a crucial role in microbial metabolism and global nutrient cycles. This groundbreaking research by Javier Lopez-Simon, Marina Vila-Nistal, Aleksandra Rosenova, Daniele De Corte, Federico Baltar, and Manuel Martinez-Garcia unveils the intricate interactions of viruses and their chemosynthetic hosts in extreme polar environments.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
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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