Acanthamoeba castellanii 1BU genome sequencing and assembly

The lack of high-quality protist genomes has prevented in-depth computational and experimental studies of giant virus-host interactions. In addition, our current knowledge of host range is highly biased due to how we isolate new giant viruses. This study presents six high-quality amoeba genomes from known and potential giant virus hosts that can be cultured in the laboratory. We employ their genomic data to investigate the predictability of giant virus host range. Furthermore, the genomes presented in this study set the stage for future experimental studies to better understand how giant viruses interact with their host species.