Marnaviridae


Marnaviridae is a family of positive-stranded RNA viruses in the order Picornavirales. The first marnavirus that was isolated, and which is the type species for the family, infects a Microphyte: the toxic bloom-forming Raphidophyte, Heterosigma akashiwo. Algae therefore seem to serve as natural hosts. There is only one genus and one species in this family, the type species Heterosigma akashiwo RNA virus.
HaRNAV was isolated from water collected in the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, Canada, from a concentrated virus assemblage using the host Heterosigma akashiwo.

Structure

Viruses in Marnaviridae are non-enveloped, with icosahedral geometries, and T=pseudo3 symmetry. The diameter is around 25 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 8.6kb in length. The capsid consists of three major capsid proteins, each having a Jelly roll fold and a minor capsid protein that is located around the five-fold axes on the inside of the capsid.
GenusStructureSymmetryCapsidGenomic arrangementGenomic segmentation
MarnavirusIcosahedralPseudo T=3Non-envelopedLinearMonopartite

Life cycle

Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by tubule-guided viral movement.
Marine phytoplankton serve as the natural hosts of the only known member of the family Marnaviridae.
GenusHost detailsTissue tropismEntry detailsRelease detailsReplication siteAssembly siteTransmission-
MarnavirusMicrophytePhytoplankton-Cell receptor endocytosisUnknownCytoplasmCytoplasmPassive diffusion