Role of the R349 Gene and Its Repeats in the MIMIVIRE Defense System

In this study, a recently isolated Mimivirus of lineage A with R349 gene lacking 3 of 4 repeats was demonstrated to be susceptible to Zamilon. To reinforce the importance of the R349 gene in MIMIVIRE system, we developed and presented, for the 1st time to our knowledge, a protocol for Mimivirus genomic editing. By knocking out R349 gene in a Mimivirus lineage A, we observed the replication of Zamilon, indicating that this gene is critical for the resistance against this specific group of virophages.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - May 21, 2019 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research