Virus diversity in metagenomes of a lichen symbiosis (Umbilicaria phaea): complete viral genomes, putative hosts and elevational distributions

Viruses can play critical roles in symbioses by initiating horizontal gene transfer, affecting host phenotypes, or expanding their host's ecological niche. However, knowledge of viral diversity and distribution in symbiotic organisms remains elusive. Here we use deep-sequenced metagenomic DNA (PacBio Sequel II; two individuals), paired with a population genomics approach (Pool-seq; 11 populations, 550 individuals) to understand viral distributions in the lichen Umbilicaria phaea. We assess (i) viral diversity in lichen thalli, (ii) putative viral hosts (fungi, algae, bacteria) and (iii) viral distributions along two replicated elevation gradients. We identified five novel viruses, showing 28%–40% amino acid identity to known viruses. They tentatively belong to the families Caulimoviridae, Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae. Our analysis suggests that the Caulimovirus is associated with green algal photobionts (Trebouxia) of the lichen, and the remaining viruses with bacterial hosts. We did not detect viral sequences in the mycobiont. Caulimovirus abundance decreased with increasing elevation, a pattern reflected by a specific algal lineage hosting this virus. Bacteriophages showed population-specific patterns. Our work provides the first comprehensive insights into viruses associated with a lichen holobiont and suggests an interplay of viral hosts and environment in structuring viral distributions.