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Related Concept Videos

Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

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A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
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Mismatch Repair01:20

Mismatch Repair

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Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
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Mismatch Repair01:36

Mismatch Repair

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Overview
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Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

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Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
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Mutations in Microorganisms01:18

Mutations in Microorganisms

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Mutations are heritable changes in an organism’s genome involving alterations in the base sequence of DNA or RNA. These changes can influence cellular processes and phenotypic traits, potentially transforming the unaltered wild type into a mutant form. Such changes, termed forward mutations, are pivotal in shaping the genetic diversity of organisms.RNA viruses exhibit the highest mutation rates due to the absence of robust proofreading mechanisms during genome replication. In contrast,...
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In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

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To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
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Comparing fine-scale mutation and recombination landscapes in rhesus macaque ( <i>Macaca mulatta</i> ) populations of Chinese and Indian descent inferred from both short- and long-read sequencing data.

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Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

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Imposed mutational meltdown as an antiviral strategy.

Jeffrey D Jensen1,2, Ryan A Stikeleather3, Timothy F Kowalik4

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85281.

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|October 13, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Researchers propose induced mutational meltdown as a therapeutic strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2. This approach aims to overwhelm pathogen defenses, offering a potential rapid intervention for various infections.

Keywords:
AntiviralsSARS-CoV-2lethal mutagenesismutational meltdownpopulation genetics

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Population genetics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates rapid therapeutic interventions.
  • Repurposing existing antiviral treatments is a key research strategy.
  • Understanding pathogen adaptation is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore induced mutational meltdown as a therapeutic strategy.
  • To provide an evolutionary and population-genetic perspective on this approach.
  • To guide future research on pathogen eradication.

Main Methods:

  • Review of theoretical and experimental work on induced mutational meltdown.
  • Analysis of evolutionary and population-genetic principles.
  • Consideration of target specificity and application care.

Main Results:

  • Induced mutational meltdown can overwhelm pathogen adaptation.
  • This strategy may be applicable to a wide range of pathogens.
  • Careful application is necessary for successful eradication.

Conclusions:

  • Induced mutational meltdown presents a promising generalizable therapeutic approach.
  • It offers a potential method for rapid, within-patient pathogen eradication.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize its application.