Virophages to viromes: a report from the frontier of viral oceanography

The investigation of marine viruses has advanced our understanding of ecology, evolution, microbiology, oceanography and virology. Significant findings discussed in this review include the discovery of giant viruses that have genome sizes and metabolic capabilities that distort the line between virus and cell, viruses that participate in photosynthesis and apoptosis, the detection of communities of viruses of all genomic compositions and the preeminence of viruses in the evolution of marine microbes. Although we have made great progress, we have yet to synthesize the rich archive of viral genomic data with oceanographic processes. The development of cutting edge methods such as single virus genomics now provide a toolset to better integrate viruses into the ecology of the ocean.

► Genomics has led to significant advances in marine viral ecology.
► Viruses that encode cell-like metabolic capabilities are commonplace in the sea.
► Viruses of every genome composition populate the oceans.
► The primary vector for horizontal gene transfer between microbes appears to be viruses.