Challenging the limits of RNA virus genome size. This project will expand the known diversity of RNA viruses and the proteins they encode, challenging foundational principles in the field of RNA virus

Description

Challenging the limits of RNA virus genome size. This project will expand the known diversity of RNA viruses and the proteins they encode, challenging foundational principles in the field of RNA virus evolution. Combining innovative methods in molecular and computational biology, this will be the first study to define the mechanisms that RNA viruses use to replicate during infection. Expected outcomes include the first comprehensive catalogue of RNA virus diversity in Australian sea sponges that will inform reef conservation strategies and new knowledge of virus-host interactions. The benefits of documenting RNA virus ecology and evolution in marine ecosystems extend to the broader community who depend on Australia’s iconic fauna for their livelihood and are threatened by climate change.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3107 - Microbiology. Lead: Dr Mary Petrone