Betacoronaviruses genome analysis reveals evolution toward specific codons usage: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies

Article Biochemical Research Methods

Genomic and evolutionary comparison between SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses

Zigui Chen et al.

Summary: The study found that all human coronaviruses form distinct phylogenetic clades with their closest animal relatives, indicating a long evolutionary history in specific ecological niches before jumping species barrier to infect humans. The close relationship between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 suggests a similar evolutionary origin. The lower Effective Codon Number (ENC) pattern and CpG dinucleotide suppression in SARS-CoV-2 genomes compared to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV may imply a better host fitness, contributing to its ability to sustain a pandemic.

JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS (2021)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Sixteen novel lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa

Houriiyah Tegally et al.

Summary: The study identified 16 new lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa between March and August 2020, with unique mutations not found elsewhere. Three lineages (B.1.1.54, B.1.1.56, and C.1) dominated during the country's first wave, accounting for approximately 42% of all infections. The C.1 lineage, with 16 nucleotide mutations including the D614G spike protein change, became the most geographically widespread by August 2020. Genomic surveillance played a crucial role in identifying the 501Y.V2 variant in South Africa in December 2020.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Genomics and epidemiology of the P.1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Manaus, Brazil

Nuno R. Faria et al.

Summary: A new variant of concern, P.1, with 17 mutations including three spike protein mutations associated with increased binding to human ACE2 receptors, emerged in Manaus, Brazil between November 2020 and January 2021. Molecular analysis suggests P.1 may be 1.7- to 2.4-fold more transmissible and that previous infection may provide 54 to 79% protection against P.1 infection compared to other lineages. Enhanced global genomic surveillance of such variants is crucial for pandemic response.

SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Immunology