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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

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Published on: June 30, 2023
A Sanger sequencing protocol for SARS-CoV-2 S-gene
Rodney S Daniels1, Ruth Harvey1, Burcu Ermetal1
1Worldwide Influenza Centre (WIC: a WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza), The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
Abstract:
We describe a Sanger sequencing protocol for SARS-CoV-2 S-gene the Spike (S)-glycoprotein product of which, composed of receptor-binding (S1) and membrane fusion (S2) segments, is the target of vaccines used to combat COVID-19. The protocol can be used in laboratories with basic Sanger sequencing capabilities and allows rapid "at source" screening for SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably those of concern. The protocol has been applied for surveillance, with clinical specimens collected in either nucleic acid preservation lysis-mix or virus transport medium, and research involving cultured viruses, and can yield data of public health importance in a timely manner.
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