Heterogeneous Evolution Among SARS-CoV-2 Genes and Variants of Concern.

ABSTRACT: Challenges persist regarding the influence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on public health, with growing interest in future viral molecular variants. In this context, accurate predictions demand a thorough understanding of the virus's molecular evolution, especially proteins targeted by therapies, where certain discrepancies among studies exist. We analyzed thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genomes to assess the rate of evolution and molecular adaptation in the various SARS-CoV-2 coding regions. We found an overall low genetic diversity along the genome, with fluctuations over time and among genomic regions, and a notable increase in the Omicron variant, especially in the S and ORF6 genes. We also estimated an overall rate of molecular evolution of approximately

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Vazquez LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12431720 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature