Mutational hotspots and conserved domains of SARS-CoV-2 genome in African population.
Beni Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci
; 10(1): 11, 2021.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1076177
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Since outbreak in December 2019, the highly infectious and pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over a million deaths globally. With increasing burden, the novel coronavirus has posed a dire threat to public health, social interaction, and global economy. Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome are moderately evolving which might have contributed to its genome variability, transmission, replication efficiency, and virulence in different regions of the world.RESULTS:
The present study elucidated the mutational landscape in the SARS-CoV-2 genome among the African populace, which may have contributed to the virulence, spread, and pathogenicity observed in the region. A total of 3045 SARS-CoV-2 complete protein sequences with the reference viral sequence (EPI_ISL_402124) were mined and analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab, spike, ORF3, ORF8, and nucleocapsid proteins were observed as mutational hotspots in the African population and may be of keen interest in understanding the viral host relationship, while there is conservation in the ORF6, ORF7a, ORF7b, ORF10, envelope, and membrane proteins.CONCLUSIONS:
The accumulation of moderate mutations (though slowly), in the SARS-CoV-2 genome as seen in this present study, could be a promising strategy to develop antiviral drugs or vaccines. These antiviral interventions should target viral conserved domains and host cellular proteins and/or receptors involved in viral invasion and replication to avoid a new viral wave due to drug resistance and vaccine evasion. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43088-021-00102-1.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Topics:
Vaccines
Language:
English
Journal:
Beni Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S43088-021-00102-1
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS