Environmental Genomics
Genes and ecosystem services
Marine viruses and genes that slow the ageing process
The oceans have long been known to have a dramatic influence on climate. One way they do this is by absorbing large quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. This process is mainly carried out by small, floating marine algae – phytoplankton. Disease-causing organisms, including marine viruses, are among the factors that influence the abundance of these important 'carbon sinks'.
Environmental
Genomics scientists studied a giant virus that infects chalk-covered algae
(Emiliania huxleyi).
These algae form beautiful oceanic blooms and soak up billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. Many of the genes in this virus have never been seen before, and some may slow the ageing process of the infected cell by keeping it healthy for as long as possible.
The virus causes the production of a compound called ceramide which can control the timing of cell death, and might be of use in cancer therapies and anti-ageing creams. By comparing the virus genome with genes of known function from other organisms, we can better understand how the virus controls the growth of these ecologically important marine algae.