Genomic characterization of giant microalgal viruses in Brazil
Giant viruses form a diverse group of viruses that are associated with different hosts, currently classified in the phylum Nucleocytoviricota. Within this group, algae viruses of the Phycodnaviridae family, more precisely chloroviruses, were the first to be discovered in the 1980s, revealing large particles of approximately 190 nm and extensive genomes encoding more than 300 genes, many of which have no known function. Little is known about the actual genetic diversity of these viruses, and there are still many mysteries surrounding their origin and evolution, as well as their role in nature. This project aims to isolate new chloroviruses in Brazil and completely sequence their genomes. Based on genetic sequencing, analyses will be performed to predict and characterize their genes, phylogenetic reconstructions, and comparative functional genomics analyses in order to verify the evolution of the viral pan-genome. The data obtained from this project will advance knowledge about the biology of these viruses and open doors for biotechnological applications based on the exploration of their genomes.