Specificity Determination in <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> Killer Virus Systems

<i>Saccharomyces</i> yeasts are widely distributed in the environment and microbiota of higher organisms. The killer phenotype of yeast, encoded by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus systems, is a valuable trait for host survival. The mutual relationship between the different yet clearly...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lina Aitmanaitė, Aleksandras Konovalovas, Povilas Medvedevas, Elena Servienė, Saulius Serva
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
Series:Microorganisms
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/2/236
Description
Summary:<i>Saccharomyces</i> yeasts are widely distributed in the environment and microbiota of higher organisms. The killer phenotype of yeast, encoded by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus systems, is a valuable trait for host survival. The mutual relationship between the different yet clearly defined LA and M virus pairs suggests complex fitting context. To define the basis of this compatibility, we established a system devoted to challenging inherent yeast viruses using viral proteins expressed in trans. Virus exclusion by abridged capsid proteins was found to be complete and nonspecific, indicating the presence of generic mechanisms of <i>Totiviridae</i> maintenance in yeast cells. Indications of specificity in both the exclusion of LA viruses and the maintenance of M viruses by viral capsid proteins expressed in trans were observed. This precise specificity was further established by demonstrating the importance of the satellite virus in the maintenance of LA virus, suggesting the selfish behavior of M dsRNA.
ISSN:2076-2607