230 giant viruses discovered with surprising effects on ocean health

Researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science have discovered 230 new giant viruses in the ocean, along with 530 new proteins, including nine associated with photosynthesis. These findings suggest that giant viruses can interfere with their hosts’ energy conversion processes, particularly in key marine microorganisms like algae, amoebas, and flagellates that form the base of the oceanic food chain. The study highlights the significant impact these viruses have on marine ecosystems, including their potential role in harmful algal blooms that affect human health globally. To identify these viruses, the team developed a novel computational tool called BEREN, which improved detection and classification of giant viruses from vast DNA sequencing datasets collected from nine major ocean sampling projects worldwide. Analysis revealed that these viruses carry genes involved in critical cellular functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis, indicating they can alter host metabolism and influence marine chemical cycles. The research, published in npj Viruses, not only expands understanding of viral diversity and function in ocean ecosystems but also offers new avenues for monitoring environmental health and biotechnological applications.