30,000-Year-Old Virus Found in Permafrost

Scanning electron microscopy of particles of 4 families of giant viruses that have now been identified. The largest dimensions can reach between 0.6 microns (Mollivirus) and 1.5 microns (Pandoravirus). © IGS CNRS/AMU

Scientists have issued another climate change warning—be careful not to awaken prehistoric viruses that we’ve never seen the likes of before.

That is according to French scientists who have discovered and plan to reawaken a 30,000-year-old “giant” prehistoric virus in the permafrost of northern Siberia.

Called Mollivirius sibericum, this is the fourth prehistoric virus discovered since 2003, and it raises questions about what other dangerous microscopic pathogens might be locked in the frozen tundra—which is quickly becoming a non-frozen tundra.

With melting permafrost and climbing temperatures, this specific area of the Artic is increasingly interesting for its mining and oil resources.

“A few viral particles that are still infectious may be enough, in the presence of a vulnerable host, to revive potentially pathogenic viruses,” Jean-Michel Claverie, one of the lead authors of the study published in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciencestold the AFP. “If we are not careful, and we industrialize these areas without putting safeguards in place, we run the risk of one day waking up viruses such as smallpox that we thought were eradicated.”

Giant viruses measure longer than 0.5 microns, placing Mollivirius sibericum in the category by just 0.1 micron. The scientists drew on microscopic, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metagenomic technologies to draw a detailed portrait of the 0.6-micron ancient virus. According to CNRS, this is the first time all the analytical techniques applicable to living beings have been used simultaneously to characterize a virus.

Mollivirius sibericum takes the form of a roughly spherical particle containing a genome of approximately 650,000 base pairs coding for more than 500 proteins. What is surprising about this virus, as well as previously discovered ancient viruses, is how more complex genetically they are than modern-day viruses. For example, previously discovered ancient virus Pithovirus sibericum (located in the same area) boasts 2,500 genes. By contrast, today’s Influenza A virus has only eight genes.

In safe laboratory conditions, Claverie and colleagues will attempt to revive Mollivirius sibericum by placing it with single-cell amoeba, which will serve as its host. In 2013, Claverie and colleagues were successful in their attempts to revive Pithovirus sibericum in a petri dish. Before they wake the virus up, the researchers said they plan to verify that it is indeed harmless to animals and humans. 

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