Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
12:00
Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 1
Published on: April 8, 2009
10.4K
Phylogenomic and Structural Analysis of the Monkeypox Virus Shows Evolution towards Increased Stability
Priya Yadav1, Yashas Devasurmutt1, Utpal Tatu1
1Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
Viruses
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Genomic analysis of the 2022 monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak reveals accelerated mutation rates, particularly in proteins binding to host receptors. These mutations may enhance MPXV transmissibility and disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Monkeypox (MPXV) is an infectious zoonotic disease with smallpox-like symptoms.
- Global MPXV cases surged in 2022, spreading across continents.
- Understanding MPXV evolution is critical for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze whole genome sequences of MPXV strains from recent global outbreaks.
- To perform phylogenomic analysis and identify mutation patterns.
- To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of MPXV during the 2022 surge.
Main Methods:
- Whole genome sequencing of MPXV strains.
- Phylogenomic analysis of sequence data.
- Identification and quantification of genetic mutations.
Main Results:
- The highest mutation rates per sample were observed in 2022, with South America and Europe showing the highest averages.
- Indian MPXV strains exhibited up to 10 mutations per gene in variable regions.
- Key proteins like envelope glycoproteins and those involved in host receptor binding showed significant mutations.
Conclusions:
- MPXV is evolving rapidly, with accelerated mutations in 2022.
- Mutations in host-binding proteins may drive increased transmissibility and severity.
- Continued genomic surveillance is essential for monitoring MPXV evolution.
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
32.7K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
32.7K
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
98
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
98
02:54Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
6.1K
Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
6.1K
01:09Molecular Evidence
Molecular EvidenceDid you know you share over 98% of your DNA with a chimpanzee? Or that humans have things in common with bananas and even bacteria? That’s because all living things are connected, and we can see those connections by looking at something super tiny: molecules, especially DNA!Molecular evidence means using DNA and proteins to determine how living things relate. DNA is like a recipe book that tells your body how to grow, work, and stay alive. Scientists find patterns when...
01:24Eukaryotic Evolution
35.3K
The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
35.3K
01:09Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
59.0K
In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
59.0K