The team then utilized a supercomputer and a maker discovering algorithm to develop a phylogenetic tree for RNA viruses that introduces several new phyla, update some that were already established, and fill in some of the missing out on gaps in the viruses evolutionary history.The Scientist spoke with Sullivan to learn more about the job and how the results could serve as a resource for better understanding Earths RNA viruses.The Scientist: This is a huge endeavor– could you inform me how the concept for this project stemmed? RNA infection biology is truly different from DNA viruses, and especially DNA phages. Some of that is identifying the missing out on link for some of the early evolutionary events related to reverse transcriptases or associated to some of the other kinds of odd RNA virus elements that are out there.TS: You pointed out that youve focused a lot more on DNA infections in the past.
A team led by Ohio State University microbiologist Matthew Sullivan collected ocean water samples, mainly around the Arctic Circle, and sequenced them for viral RNA by searching for genes encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which RNA viruses use to replicate. The group then used a supercomputer and a maker discovering algorithm to build a phylogenetic tree for RNA viruses that presents several brand-new phyla, update some that were already established, and fill in some of the missing gaps in the viruses evolutionary history.The Scientist spoke with Sullivan to find out more about the job and how the results could serve as a resource for better understanding Earths RNA viruses.The Scientist: This is a huge undertaking– could you inform me how the idea for this task originated? What triggered you to take all of this on?Matthew Sullivan: Ive studied DNA viruses for a long time, and weve been doing international ocean DNA virus work. RNA infection biology is actually various from DNA viruses, and particularly DNA phages. Some of that is identifying the missing link for some of the early evolutionary occasions related to reverse transcriptases or related to some of the other kinds of odd RNA virus components that are out there.TS: You pointed out that youve focused a lot more on DNA infections in the past.