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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.09.22.753465

Constructing Virtual Viruses in A Spatial Minimal Cell

Sun, W.·Tang, Y.·Qiu, M.·Li, J.·Luo, F.·Dou, C.
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Abstract

Viral development links gene expression and genome replication to particle formation within a cell. Here we construct virtual viruses in a JCVI-syn3A-based spatial minimal cell. For mycoplasma virus P1, molecular events connect expression and replication to coarse-grained packaging, followed by a spatial reconstruction of membrane opening and particle release. Individual finite-size particles coexist, move across the boundary and undergo partial crossings and returns before complete exit. In contrast, Acholeplasma phage MV-L1 (L1) expresses its genes and accumulates genomes as the host continues to grow and develops a constricted shape. The coexistence of viral activity and continued host growth is qualitatively consistent with the non-lytic biology of group 1 acholeplasmaviruses. These reconstructions extend the virtual cell to the viruses that develop within it, linking molecular activity, particle behavior and host growth.

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Sun, W., Tang, Y., Qiu, M., Li, J., Luo, F., Dou, C.. 2026-09-23. Constructing Virtual Viruses in A Spatial Minimal Cell. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.22.753465

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