Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

09:26
Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
1.7K
8,266 SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Assemblies from Asymptomatic Carriers in Japan
Hajime Ohyanagi1, Junko S Takeuchi1, Yuichi Kawanishi1
1Center for Clinical Sciences, Japan Institute for Health Security, Tokyo, Japan.
Scientific Data
|February 24, 2026
Summary
Researchers generated over 8,000 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from asymptomatic individuals in Japan. This public genomic data resource aids the global fight against COVID-19 transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Asymptomatic carriers are crucial for respiratory infectious disease transmission.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic individuals is vital for pandemic control.
- Genomic data from diverse populations aids in tracking viral evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a valuable genomic resource of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic individuals.
- To support the global research community's efforts in combating COVID-19.
- To analyze and share viral genomes from a Japanese cohort.
Main Methods:
- Collection of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from asymptomatic individuals in Japan.
- Whole-genome sequencing using Illumina COVIDSeq technology.
- Public deposition of all generated SARS-CoV-2 genome assemblies.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated 8,266 SARS-CoV-2 genome assemblies.
- All genome sequences are publicly available for research.
- The dataset provides insights into the viral landscape in asymptomatic carriers.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a significant genomic dataset for SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Publicly accessible data from asymptomatic cases is essential for disease mitigation strategies.
- This resource will aid in understanding transmission dynamics and developing targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
18.8K
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
18.8K
Genome Annotation and Assembly
21.2K
The genome refers to all of the genetic material in an organism. It can range from a few million base pairs in microbial cells to several billion base pairs in many eukaryotic organisms. Genome assembly refers to the process of taking the DNA sequencing data and putting it all back together in a correct order to create a close representation of the original genome. This is followed by the identification of functional elements on the newly assembled genome, a process called genome annotation.
21.2K
RNA-seq
12.2K
RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is a high-throughput sequencing technology used to study the transcriptome of a cell. Transcriptomics helps to interpret the functional elements of a genome and identify the molecular constituents of an organism. Additionally, it also helps in understanding the development of an organism and the occurrence of diseases.
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while...
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while...
12.2K

