Complete sequence and genome characterization of Miscanthus virus M, a new betaflexivirus from Miscanthus sp.

Abstract

Abstract A novel betaflexivirus, tentatively named Miscanthus virus M (MiVM), was isolated from Miscanthus sp. The complete genome of MiVM is 7,388 bp (excluding the poly-A tail). It is predicted to encode five open reading frames and has a genome organization similar to those of the families Alphaflexiviridae and Betaflexiviridae(Quinvirinae). The amino acid sequences of both the replicase and coat protein shared less than 45% identities with the corresponding sequences of members of either family. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that MiVM belongs to the family Betaflexiviridaeand subfamily Quiniviriane but this virus did not cluster with any currently recognized genus sufficiently to be placed in it. We propose that Miscanthus virus M represents a novel species and genus within the family Betaflexiviridae.