Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a significant threat to global tomato production, necessitating research into its genetics and evolution. A recent study explores ToBRFV at the codon level, analyzing codon usage bias, selection pressures, and evolutionary patterns. We discovered variable codon usage and selection pressures across different genes, indicating diverse evolutionary constraints.
The movement protein (MP) gene showed the highest transition/transversion bias and SNP density, suggesting it faces unique evolutionary pressures or a higher mutation rate. Notably, episodic positive selection was identified mainly in the MP gene, pointing to adaptive changes in response to host defenses or environmental factors. Comparative analysis of the coat protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes revealed gene-specific patterns of codon usage, reflecting functional constraints and adaptation to the host's translational machinery.
These insights into ToBRFV's molecular evolution and adaptation mechanisms are crucial for understanding its pathogenesis and host-virus interactions. Future research will aim to further elucidate the significance of these findings, exploring how episodic positive selection contributes to viral adaptation and informing the development of effective control strategies and crop protection measures.
Read more on Nature.