Molecular and Structural Analysis of Specific Mutations from Saudi Isolates of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase and their Implications on Protein Structure and Drug-Protein Binding

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Rapid epidemic expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in southern Africa

Raquel Viana et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in southern Africa has experienced three distinct waves, driven by different variants. The recently identified Omicron variant has rapidly spread in South Africa and to numerous countries, raising global concern.

NATURE (2022)

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Review Immunology

SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Vaccines, and Host Immunity

Priyal Mistry et al.

Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of vaccines and investigation into the immune response to the virus. Variants of the virus have presented challenges to vaccine effectiveness. It is important to understand the immune memory response and continue to develop new antibody treatments and future vaccine approaches.

FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY (2022)

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Article Immunology

Genomic characterization unravelling the causative role of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant of lineage B.1.617.2 in 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Chhattisgarh, India

Pushpendra Singh et al.

Summary: This study investigates the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 infected individuals in Chhattisgarh, India. The results show that the Delta variant (lineage B.1.617.2) is the predominant variant, followed by Kappa (lineage B.1.617.1), Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7), and B.1 and its sublineages. The Delta variant has mutations that help it evade antibody response, enhance its affinity with the ACE2 receptor, and increase its replication and transmissibility. The study highlights the importance of intensive genomic surveillance and the development of more effective vaccines against Delta and Alpha variants.

MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS (2022)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pharmacoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulation studies reveal potential covalent and FDA-approved inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease 3CLpro

Mubarak A. Alamri et al.

Summary: The study identifies potential covalent inhibitors through a structure-based approach and repurposes FDA-approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Molecular dynamics simulations characterize the binding mechanism and dynamic stability between the compounds and the protease. Identified compounds show promise as potential inhibitors for further development as COVID-19 drugs, including FDA-approved anti-hepatitis-C virus drugs paritaprevir and simeprevir.

JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS (2021)

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Article Infectious Diseases

Genomic surveillance to combat COVID-19: challenges and opportunities

Janet Robishaw et al.

Summary: While vaccines offer hope for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, genomic surveillance is crucial in detecting and responding to virus variants in a timely manner to mitigate and contain outbreaks effectively.

LANCET MICROBE (2021)

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News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

HOW TO REDESIGN COVID VACCINES SO THEY PROTECT AGAINST VARIANTS

Ewen Callaway et al.

NATURE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Estimated transmissibility and impact of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England

Nicholas G. Davies et al.

Summary: A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 has emerged in England, with a higher reproduction number and potential for large resurgences of COVID-19 cases. Without stringent control measures, it is projected that COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in England for the first 6 months of 2021 will exceed those in 2020. The variant has spread globally and exhibited similar transmission increases in Denmark, Switzerland, and the United States.

SCIENCE (2021)

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Review Environmental Sciences

SARS-CoV-2: An Update on Genomics, Risk Assessment, Potential Therapeutics and Vaccine Development

Iqra Mehmood et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, poses a significant threat to public health globally. Despite structural similarities with previous coronaviruses, its unique mutations make it a novel virus, challenging available therapeutic options. Efforts to reduce transmission among vulnerable populations and monitor viral mutations are crucial, as researchers continue to work on developing treatments and vaccines.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH (2021)

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Article Microbiology

Identification and characterization of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase as a promising antiviral therapeutic target

Niti Yashvardhini et al.

Summary: The causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, exhibits high rates of mutation which may lead to viral evolution and drug resistance. A study comparing Indian SARS-CoV-2 RdRp sequences with Wuhan type virus revealed 384 point mutations, with 7 mutations significantly altering the stability and flexibility of the RdRp protein.

ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

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Letter Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

The Dual/Global Value of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Surveillance on Migrants Arriving to Europe via the Mediterranean Routes

Claudia Marotta et al.

Summary: Despite the pandemic, over 34,000 migrants, refugees, or asylum-seekers arrived in Sicily, Italy in 2020, making it the main entry point by sea into Europe. A SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program using clinical examination and molecular testing was conducted on migrants arriving in Sicily via the Mediterranean Sea, with over a hundred full-genome strains sequenced and 8 different lineages identified, mostly belonging to the B.1.1.7 and B.1.525 lineages. The importance of providing detailed information to inform policies and potentially re-engineering vaccines to address new and future variants is emphasized.

ANNALS OF GLOBAL HEALTH (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Including COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections, Associated with Large Public Gatherings — Barnstable County, Massachusetts, July 2021

Catherine M. Brown et al.

MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT (2021)

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Article Microbiology

Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Diverse Environmental Samples Globally

Ariful Islam et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has significantly impacted the global environment, with wastewater analysis proving useful in predicting case surges and tracking different variants. Environmental strains of the virus closely resemble those circulating in human populations, showing high genetic diversity and key mutations.

MICROORGANISMS (2021)

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Review Critical Care Medicine

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and potential intervention approaches

Jasmin Khateeb et al.

Summary: Mutations in VOCs can increase the transmissibility of the virus and potentially impact vaccine efficacy, highlighting the need for combination therapeutic strategies.

CRITICAL CARE (2021)

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Review Immunology