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Mutational dynamics and phylogenetic insights into monkeypox virus clade I evolution

Tamizhini Loganathan1, Karthick Vasudevan2, John Fletcher3

  • 1Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.

Computational Biology and Chemistry
|June 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) evolution is a global concern, with clade I re-emerging. This study analyzes MPXV clade evolutionary paths, genetic diversity, and mutations to inform public health strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has transitioned from sporadic outbreaks to a global health threat.
  • The re-emergence of MPXV clade I in 2023, including the first reported case in India, highlights an urgent need for evolutionary insights.
  • Understanding MPXV clade diversity is critical for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct evolutionary trajectories of MPXV clades I, Ia, and Ib.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity, mutational signatures, and phylogenetic relationships among these MPXV clades.
  • To provide data crucial for developing targeted MPXV diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of MPXV clades I, Ia, and Ib.
  • Examination of mutational profiles, including APOBEC3-type mutations.
  • Time-scaled phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct evolutionary history and divergence times.

Main Results:

  • Clade Ia exhibited a slightly higher frequency of APOBEC3-type mutations (39.88%) than Clade Ib (39.25%).
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary patterns and divergence periods for the clades.
  • Identified variations in mutational profiles potentially linked to host immune pressure and epidemiological factors.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the evolutionary divergence of MPXV clades, offering insights into viral adaptation.
  • Findings are essential for enhancing molecular diagnostics and developing effective vaccines and therapeutics for MPXV.
  • Understanding MPXV evolution is key to managing current and future outbreaks and mitigating global health risks.
Keywords:
Clade IMonkeypoxMutation analysisPhylogenomics

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