The cryptic diversity of hepadnavirus relatives.

ABSTRACT: Enveloped hepadnaviruses, non-enveloped nackednaviruses, and the recently discovered non-enveloped proto-nackednaviruses are closely related reverse-transcribing DNA viruses. Yet, the host range and diversity of proto-nackednaviruses remain unclear. Here, we report the discovery of 31 proto-nackednaviruses (PnNVs) through deep genome-scale data mining. PnNVs are predominantly identified in distinct species of rotifers, implying the probable association between PnNVs and rotifers. Phylogenetic analyses show that PnNVs form at least five paraphyletic lineages sister to nackednaviruses and hepadnaviruses, unveiling the cryptic diversity of reverse-transcribing DNA viruses. This study provides insights into the origin, evolution, and diversity of reverse-transcribing DNA viruses.IMPORTANCEHepa

SUBMITTER: Gong Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12691608 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature