Viral architects of the deep biosphere: reshaping the framework of sedimentary biogeochemistry
Abstract
A recent minireview by J. R. A. Williams and J. F. Biddle (Appl Environ Microbiol, 92:e00275-25, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00275-25) substantially reframes our understanding of sedimentary viruses. For decades, viruses in marine sediments have been viewed primarily as agents of mortality, their roles largely confined to the canonical "viral shunt" paradigm developed for pelagic systems. The authors expand this perspective, positioning viruses as active participants in benthic biogeochemistry-contributing to nutrient cycling, modulating microbial diversity, and influencing organic matter processing and carbon sequestration. This conceptual shift highlights sedimentary viruses as an integral and, until now, underappreciated component of global element cycles.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology
- Publisher
- American Society for Microbiology
- Volume
- 92
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- e0048626–e0048626
- Publication date
- 30 April 2026
- Language
- EN