Emergence of unique SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants and their impact on protein structure and function

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, necessitates continuous research into viral evolution.
• Understanding SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity and pathogenicity is critical for effective pandemic response.
• The SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 protein interacts with key human lung proteins, making it a potential target for studying viral impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze single and co-occurring mutations in SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants.
• To predict the structural and functional consequences of these ORF10 mutations on viral virulence.
• To investigate the impact of ORF10 mutations on host-pathogen interactions.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences to identify ORF10 mutations.
• In silico prediction of the effects of mutations on ORF10 secondary structure.
• Analysis of potential impacts on host protein interactomes.

Main Results:

• Identification of 128 single and 35 co-occurring mutations in SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants.
• Predicted alterations in ORF10 secondary structure due to identified mutations.
• Potential changes in interactions with human proteins like CUL2, ELOB, ELOC, and others.

Conclusions:

• Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 can significantly affect its structure and function.
• These ORF10 variants may influence viral pathogenicity and host interactions.
• Further research into ORF10 mutations is essential for understanding COVID-19 evolution and developing countermeasures.