Isolating the first ARCtic GIant viRUSes and their bioactive compounds (ARCGIRUS)

Giant viruses (GVs) comprise a ubiquitous and unique viral group.

Their large genomes encode a majority of proteins with unknown functions, an important but overlooked source for new biotechnological breakthroughs.

Most known GVs have been isolated in hosts from the genus Acanthamoeba and none has yet been found from the Arctic, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.

This came as a surprise considering various metagenomic studies revealed the presence of GVs worldwide, especially in marine ecosystems. More studies on host-GVs interaction also bring forth their potential for viral-derived bioactive compounds.

Hence, this project (ARCGIRUS) aims to innovate in giant virus research by (O1) isolating the first algal-infecting giant virus from the Arctic.

This will overcome the Acanthamoeba-focused host bias and at the same time explore an important but never studied environment in this field.

Then, I will (O2) characterize the isolates, and (O3) develop a novel method using mass spectrometry to find potential bioproducts at the phenotypic level from cells infected with giant viruses.

The biological data obtained through this project will have an impact on virology and evolutionary biology, likely leading to interesting basic research projects and applied science advances, in addition to increased awareness of the Arctic virosphere, and nature in general.

The GVs isolates and publications generated through this project will become important references in the field and open the possibility of collaboration.

The use of social media and collaboration with museums will advertise the study of GVs and raise awareness of their role in the marine microbiome to general audiences.

Overall, the novelty of finding giant viruses infecting microalgae from the Arctic, together with the training and knowledge acquired from this fellowship, will support my career goal of becoming a leading polar microbiologist specializing in giant viruses.