Mutational Asymmetries in the SARS-CoV-2 Genome May Lead to Increased Hydrophobicity of Virus Proteins

The genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 has been a focus during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we analyzed the distribution and character of emerging mutations in a data set comprising more than 95,000 virus genomes covering eight major SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the GISAID database, including genotypes arising during COVID-19 therapy. Globally, the C>U transitions and G>U transversions were the most represented mutations, accounting for the majority of single-nucleotide variations. Mutational spectra were not influenced by the time the virus had been circulating in its host or medical treatment. At the amino acid level, we observed about a 2-fold excess of substitutions in favor of hydrophobic amino acids over the reverse. However, most mutations constituting variants of interests of the S-protein (spike) lead to hydrophilic amino acids, counteracting the global trend. The C>U and G>U substitutions altered codons towards increased amino acid hydrophobicity values in more than 80% of cases. The bias is explained by the existing differences in the codon composition for amino acids bearing contrasting biochemical properties. Mutation asymmetries apparently influence the biochemical features of SARS CoV-2 proteins, which may impact protein-protein interactions, fusion of viral and cellular membranes, and virion assembly.

Automated summary

Analysis of over 95,000 virus genomes reveals that C>U and G>U mutations are the most common, comprising the majority of variations. While there is a significant excess of substitutions between hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, mutations in the S-protein predominantly lead to hydrophilic amino acids, contrary to the global trend.