Previous studies of coral viruses have employed either microscopy or metagenomics, but few have attempted to comprehensively link the presence of a virus-like particle (VLP) to a genomic sequence. We conducted transmission electron microscopy imaging and virome analysis in tandem to characterize the most conspicuous viral types found within the dominant Pacific reef-building coral genus Acropora. Collections for this study inadvertently captured what we interpret as a natural outbreak of viral infection driven by aerial exposure of the reef flat coincident with heavy rainfall and concomitant mass bleaching. All experimental corals in this study had high titers of viral particles. Three of the dominant VLPs identified were observed in all tissue layers and budding out from the epidermis, including viruses that were ∼70, ∼120, and ∼150 nm in diameter; these VLPs all contained electron dense cores. These morphological traits are reminiscent of retroviruses, herpesviruses, and nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs), respectively. Some 300–500 nm megavirus-like VLPs also were observed within and associated with dinoflagellate algal endosymbiont (Symbiodinium) cells. Abundant sequence similarities to a gammaretrovirus, herpesviruses, and members of the NCLDVs, based on a virome generated from five Acropora aspera colonies, corroborated these morphology-based identifications. Additionally sequence similarities to two diagnostic genes, a MutS and (based on re-annotation of sequences from another study) a DNA polymerase B gene, most closely resembled Pyramimonas orientalis virus, demonstrating the association of a cosmopolitan megavirus with Symbiodinium. We also identified several other virus-like particles in host tissues, along with sequences phylogenetically similar to circoviruses, phages, and filamentous viruses. This study suggests that viral outbreaks may be a common but previously undocumented component of natural bleaching events, particularly following repeated episodes of multiple environmental stressors.

We develop a machine learning model that tackles both reaction prediction and retrosynthesis by learning from the same dataset. The model is generalizable across chemical space.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition provides a potential treatment approach to neuroinflammation through modulation of both the endocannabinoid pathway and arachidonoyl signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). Herein we report the discovery of compound 15 (PF-06795071), a potent and selective covalent MAGL inhibitor, featuring a novel trifluoromethyl glycol leaving group that confers significant physicochemical property improvements as compared with earlier inhibitor series with more lipophilic leaving groups. The design strategy focused on identifying an optimized leaving group that delivers MAGL potency, serine hydrolase selectivity, and CNS exposure while simultaneously reducing log  D, improving solubility, and minimizing chemical lability. Compound 15 achieves excellent CNS exposure, extended 2-AG elevation effect in vivo, and decreased brain inflammatory markers in response to an inflammatory challenge.

Functionalized styrenes are extremely useful building blocks for organic synthesis and for functional polymers. One of the most general syntheses of styrenes involves the combination of an aryl halide with a vinyl organometallic reagent under catalysis by palladium or nickel complexes. This Feature Article provides the first comprehensive summary of the vinylation methods currently available along with a critical comparison of the efficiency, cost and scope of the methods.