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NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
[2] Evolution: Bacteria-infecting viruses share DNA with black
widow spiders *IMAGES*
A virus that infects bacteria shares DNA sequences with animals, including the black widow
spider, finds a study published in Nature Communications this week.
Viruses that infect bacteria do not also infect eukaryotes (i.e. animals, plants, fungi and protists).
Although viruses commonly exchange genetic material with their hosts, viruses have not been
known to assimilate genes from a domain of life different from that of their host.
Sarah Bordenstein and Seth Bordenstein sequenced the genome of phage WO, a virus that infects
the bacteria Wolbachia, and found that a section of the genome is made up of eukaryotic-like
genes. The genes are closely related to insect and spider genes for toxins, mediating host–microbe
interactions, host cell suicide, and transport across cell membranes. Since Wolbachia itself infects
insect and spider cells, the authors suggest that these genes may help the virus infiltrate animal
cells to reach the bacteria.
Based on their eukaryotic characteristics and distribution among animals, the genes probably
originated in animals before being incorporated by the virus. However, the direction and route of
DNA transmission between animal and virus is still uncertain.
ARTICLE DETAILS
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS13155
Corresponding Authors:
Sarah Bordenstein
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Email: [email protected]
Seth Bordenstein
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 615 322 9087
Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends):
http://nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/NCOMMS13155
Image 1 (2.95 KB)
This image of a tripartite community of animals, microbes, and viruses represents Nasonia wasps infected by
Wolbachia bacteria which are in turn infected by phage WO. Gene sharing occurs between the genomes of all
three entities.
Credit: Robert Brucker
Image 2 (5.11 MB)
Inspired by the mandala, this circular representation shows three concentric rings symbolizing the tripartite
complexity of phage WO inside Wolbachia symbionts that reside in Nasonia parasitic wasps. Each entity impacts
the other’s biology, including genetic exchange between all three genomes.
Credit: Robert Brucker
Image 3
Wolbachia symbionts infected with numerous tiny virus particles, enlarged in the inset. Credit:
Michelle Marshall and Seth Bordenstein