Mutational spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 during the global pandemic.

ABSTRACT: Viruses accumulate mutations under the influence of natural selection and host-virus interactions. Through a systematic comparison of 351,525 full viral genome sequences collected during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we reveal the spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Unlike those of other viruses, the mutational spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 exhibits extreme asymmetry, with a much higher rate of C>U than U>C substitutions, as well as a higher rate of G>U than U>G substitutions. This suggests directional genome sequence evolution during transmission. The substantial asymmetry and directionality of the mutational spectrum enable pseudotemporal tracing of SARS-CoV-2 without prior information about the root sequence, collection time, and sampling region. This shows that the viral genome sequences collec

SUBMITTER: Yi K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8393781 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature