Genetic differentiation and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in its early outbreak.

ABSTRACT: The recently emerged Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has quickly spread around the world. Although many consensus mutations of the Omicron variant have been recognized, little is known about its genetic variation during its transmission in the population. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the genetic differentiation and diversity of the Omicron variant during its early outbreak. We found that Omicron achieved more structural variations, especially deletions, on the SARS-CoV-2 genome than the other four variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) in the same timescale. In addition, the Omicron variant acquired, except for 50 consensus mutations, seven great new non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions during its spread. Three of them ar

SUBMITTER: Weng S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9035616 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature