Viral metagenomics reveals diverse virus-host interactions throughout the soil depth profile

• DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02246-23
• Publication Date: 2023-11-30T14:00:35Z
• Authors: George Muscatt; Ryan Cook; Andrew Millard; Gary D. Bending; Eleanor Jameson
• Keywords: Viral evolution; Soil horizon; Soil carbon; Soil ecology

Soil viruses can moderate the roles that their host microbes play in global carbon cycling. However, given most studies investigate surface layer (i.e., top 20 cm) of soil, extent to which this occurs subsurface soil below is unknown. Here, we leveraged public sequencing data interactions between and hosts at depth intervals, down 115 cm. While were detected throughout profile, adaptation varied. Nonetheless, uncovered evidence for potential encourage recycle plant-derived both soils. This work reasons our understanding viral functions requires us continue dig deeper compare existing ecosystems.