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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Analysis of Continuous Mutation and Evolution on Circulating SARS-CoV-2.

Jie-Mei Yu¹, Li-Shu Zhang¹, Yuan-Hui Fu¹

¹College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China.

Evolutionary Bioinformatics Online

|February 17, 2022

Summary

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 evolution is key for tracking transmission and vaccine development. This study analyzed 342 genomes, identifying 465 mutations, with 26 significant SNPs forming 5 profiles and two major phylogenetic clusters.

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2 SNP clusters evolution mutation dynamics

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Area of Science:

Virology
Genomics
Epidemiology

Background:

Monitoring viral mutation and evolution is crucial for understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics.
Effective vaccine development relies on tracking viral genetic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze mutations and genetic divergence in SARS-CoV-2.
To understand the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns of SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 342 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences.
Identification and characterization of mutations, including Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).
Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships and clustering.

Main Results:

A total of 465 mutations were identified compared to the reference genome.
26 mutations occurred in more than 5 sequences, with 14 forming 5 linked SNP profiles.
Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major clusters, with Cluster II predominantly containing later period sequences.

Conclusions:

Viral sequence divergence is significant for studying SARS-CoV-2 transmission, pathogenicity, and vaccine development.
Geographical or temporal distribution of mutations warrants further monitoring for potential impacts.
Mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD), even outside the RBM, require continued attention.