In what’s considered a revolutionary study, researchers have been able to identify 230 new giant viruses. These viruses play important roles in the ecology and evolution of marine ecosystems. This interdisciplinary research was recently published on April 21, 2025 to the journal Nature npj Viruses. It illustrates just how important these viruses are to the survival of the myriad of single-celled marine organisms known as protists. These discoveries undoubtedly will lead to better predictions of ocean ecosystems and the effects of environmental changes.
The research team, which includes co-authors Benjamin Minch and Mohammad Moniruzzaman from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, utilized DNA sequencing data from nine large global ocean sampling projects. This cutting-edge dataset, which extended from pole to pole, gave them the incredibly strong foundation needed for their analysis. Advanced high-performance computing methods allowed the team to identify 230 novel viruses. These novel viruses were identified in rapidly growing, publicly available marine metagenomic datasets.
Understanding the Role of Giant Viruses
The newly discovered giant viruses in this study are important for the health of both protists and us. These tiny, single-celled protists are fundamental building blocks of marine ecosystems. These viruses are lively players in the global ocean’s algae and microbes. These larger organisms serve as essential conduits of nutrient cycling and energy flow in these important habitats.
These results deepen our appreciation for the pan viral diversity. They emphasize what’s at stake for marine ecosystems and human health. The research team characterized over 530 new functional proteins within the genomes of the identified giant viruses, including nine proteins involved in photosynthesis.
“By better understanding the diversity and role of giant viruses in the ocean and how they interact with algae and other ocean microbes, we can predict and possibly manage harmful algal blooms, which are human health hazards in Florida as well as all over the world.”
Benjamin Minch noted that this study establishes a framework for improving existing tools for virus detection:
This study applied a new creative tool known as the BEREN program. This program was specially designed to assist in discovering and categorizing giant viruses. This program has provided a critical research gap-filling effort. It provides scientists and scholars with a highly accessible platform to learn more about these fascinating and complex microorganisms.
“This study allowed us to create a framework to improve existing tools for detecting novel viruses that could aid in our ability to monitor pollution and pathogens in our waterways.”
Innovative Tools for Virus Detection
Researchers can access BEREN at gitlab.com/benminch1/BEREN. We expect that this tool will enable giant viruses research to progress more than 100 times faster. Scientists will be able to explore more fully the amazing and varied ways that they work.
Moniruzzaman observed that the novel functions identified in giant viruses could have biotechnological applications:
This creates rich new opportunities for research into how we can utilize these viruses to positive effect across myriad fields of application.
“The novel functions found in giant viruses could have biotechnological potential, as some of these functions might represent novel enzymes.”
The giant virus discoveries are coming at an exciting cusp in virology. Given the acute threats marine ecosystems are facing, not only from climate change but pollution, highlighting solutions is key. By determining how these viruses function and behave with their artificial ecosystem, we can develop effective mitigation strategies to restore the balance of our oceans.
Implications for Marine Health
The characterization of genes involved in cellular functions traditionally found only in cellular organisms highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of marine life. This research has the potential to break new ground in a few different ways. The collaborative project aims to untangle the roles of viruses in nutrient cycling and how they may influence marine biodiversity.
The characterization of genes involved in cellular functions traditionally found only in cellular organisms highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of marine life. This research could pave the way for future studies aimed at understanding the roles of viruses in nutrient cycling and their potential impacts on marine biodiversity.
