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Evolution of Viral Pathogens Follows a Linear Order
Zi Hian Tan1, Kian Yan Yong1, Jian-Jun Shu1
1School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological Universitygrid.59025.3b, Singapore.
Microbiology Spectrum
|February 2, 2022
Summary
Viral amino acid usage follows a linear, non-random order, aiding prediction of mutations and variants. This understanding of viral evolution is crucial for developing vaccines and identifying outbreak sources.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Previous outbreaks like SARS and MERS highlight the threat of rapidly evolving viruses.
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for better understanding of viral evolution.
- Coronaviruses, influenza viruses, flaviviruses, and ebolaviruses are key viral families prone to outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comparative analysis of amino acid usage in outbreak-prone viral families and genera.
- To investigate patterns in viral genome amino acid distribution.
- To explore the potential of these patterns for predicting viral mutations and outbreak origins.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of amino acid usage across multiple viral families and genera.
- Examination of amino acid distribution patterns within viral genomes.
- Adaptation of observed patterns to analyze COVID-19 outbreak dynamics.
Main Results:
- Viral genome amino acid usage is constrained to a linear order.
- Amino acid distribution patterns are closely related to viral species within families or genera.
- The pangolin's role in COVID-19 may be significant but not exclusive.
Conclusions:
- The non-random, linear order of amino acid usage in viral genomes can predict mutations and variants of concern.
- Understanding these patterns aids in vaccine development and outbreak source determination.
- This research provides insights into viral evolution applicable to future pandemic preparedness.
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