In this article, we want to address the issue of Bicaudaviridae, which has gained great relevance in recent years. Bicaudaviridae is a topic that has aroused interest in both the scientific community and the general public, due to its impact on different aspects of society. Throughout this article, we will explore different aspects related to Bicaudaviridae, from its origin and evolution, to its influence today. We will delve into its implications both at an individual and collective level, analyzing its importance in areas as diverse as the economy, technology, health, culture and the environment. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to offer a comprehensive perspective that allows us to understand the relevance and complexity of Bicaudaviridae today.
Bicaudavirus | |
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Bicaudavirus | |
Virus classification | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Family: | Bicaudaviridae |
Genus: | Bicaudavirus |
Species | |
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Bicaudaviridae is a family of hyperthermophilic archaeal viruses. Members of the genus Acidianus serve as natural hosts. There is only one genus, Bicaudavirus, and one species, Acidianus two-tailed virus, in this family. However, Sulfolobus tengchongensis spindle-shaped viruses 1 and 2 (STSV1 and STSV2) are regarded to belong to this family also.
Viruses in Bicaudaviridae are non-enveloped, with lemon-shaped geometries. Genomes are circular dsDNA molecules of around 48–76 kb in length. High-resolution structure was determined by cryo-EM for Sulfolobus monocaudavirus 1 (SMV1) and a lower-resolution structure was determined for Acidianus two-tailed virus (ATV). Virions of both viruses have helical symmetry, with continuous 7-start helices, composed of the single major capsid protein, forming both the tails and the spindle-shaped body. The major capsid protein structure and virion organization of bicaudaviruses are similar to those of archaeal viruses from the families Fuselloviridae, Thaspiviridae, Halspiviridae and Clavaviridae.
Genus | Structure | Symmetry | Capsid | Genomic arrangement | Genomic segmentation |
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Bicaudavirus | Lemon-shaped | Helical (C7) | Non-enveloped | Circular | Monopartite |
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral proteins to host receptors. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Diverse species of hyperthermophilic archaea from the order Sulfolobales serve as the natural hosts. Transmission routes are passive diffusion. It has been demonstrated that certain members of the family, namely, STSV2 and Sulfolobus monocaudavirus 1 (SMV1), induce cell gigantism by blocking the expression of the cell division genes and arresting the cell cycle in the S phase. The diameter of infected cells increases up to 20 times, resulting in 8,000-fold increase in volume compared to noninfected cells.
Genus | Host details | Tissue tropism | Entry details | Release details | Replication site | Assembly site | Transmission |
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Bicaudavirus | Archea: acidianus | None | Injection | Budding | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm | Passive diffusion |
This family was first described by the team led by D. Prangishvili in 2005.
The name is derived from the Latin word 'bi' and 'cauda' meaning 'two-tail'.