Molecular Biology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 20, 2024

Abstract Cheater viruses cannot replicate on their own yet faster than the wild type (WT) when two coinfect same cell. Cheaters must possess dual genetic features: a defect, which leads to inability infect cells own, and selective advantage over WT during co-infection. Previously, we have discovered point-mutant cheaters of MS2 bacteriophage. Here, set out discover possible repertoire cheater by performing experimental evolution at very high multiplicity infection (MOI). Our results revealed third that arose in eight biological replicas. Each three primary disrupts fine balance necessary for phage replication, different ways create defect + advantage. We found time, point mutant accumulate additional secondary mutations, alter other stages viral replication cycle, complementing disruptions created original cheater. Intriguingly, mutations almost always reside close proximity genome. This region encodes multiple functions: overlapping reading frames as well RNA structures critical transitioning from one stage another cycle. overlap explains functions cheaters, mutation can pleiotropic effects. Overall, these findings underscore how viruses, whose dense genomes often functions, easily evolve intricate

Language: Английский