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Updated: Aug 13, 2025
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Probing RNA Structure with Dimethyl Sulfate Mutational Profiling with Sequencing In Vitro and in Cells
Published on: December 9, 2022
4.4K
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Mutational Signatures from 1.5+ Million Raw Sequencing Samples
Andrea Aroldi1,2, Fabrizio Angaroni3,4, Deborah D'Aliberti2
1Hematology and Clinical Research Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy.
Viruses
|January 21, 2023
Summary
This study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 mutations, identifying three key processes: reactive oxygen species (ROS), apolipoprotein B editing complex (APOBEC), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR). APOBEC activity was higher in some African samples and lower in Omicron variants.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes accumulate mutations during host interaction.
- Understanding these mutational processes is crucial for tracking viral evolution and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify mutational processes in SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
- To assess the activity of these processes across different continental groups and SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale analysis of 1,585,456 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 sequencing samples.
- Identification and quantification of substitutions attributed to specific mutational processes.
- Comparative analysis of mutational activity across geographic regions and viral variants.
Main Results:
- Confirmed three distinct mutational processes: ROS, APOBEC, and ADAR.
- Observed significantly higher substitution rates in some African samples, linked to APOBEC activity.
- Found significantly lower APOBEC activity in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant samples.
Conclusions:
- Mutational processes like APOBEC play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
- Geographic location and viral variant influence the activity of these mutational processes.
- Findings provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity and evolution patterns.
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