This is an old revision of the document!

Genetics of SARS-CoV-2

The genetics of SARS-CoV-2 has been controversial due to the debates over gain-of-function research and the origins story of the virus that led to COVID-19 pandemic policies.

Genetic RNA Structure

Codons

Early analysis of the genetics of SARS-CoV-2 which included examination of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) showed greatest similarity of genetic information with bat CoVs, but had most similar codon bias usage with snakes.¹⁾

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 synonymous codon usage evolution throughout the COVID-19 pandemic²⁾

Gain-of-Function

Specific Sequences

TATCAGACTCAGACTAATTCTCCTCGGCGGGCACGT

Gain-of-Function Smashing Success: The Key Sequence Inserted in the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Added at Least *FOUR* Distinct Functions. Coincidence?³⁾

Data Controversies

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/coronavirus-origin-nih-gene-sequence-deletion/2021/06/23/186e87d0-d437-11eb-a53a-3b5450fdca7a_story.html

¹⁾

January 22, 2020 | Wei Ji et al | Journal of Medical Virology | Cross-species transmission of the newly identified coronavirus 2019-nCoV | https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25682

²⁾

December 17, 2021 | Ezequiel Mogro et al | preprint | Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 synonymous codon usage evolution throughout the COVID-19 pandemic | https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.17.472912

³⁾

April 5, 2022 | Ashmedai | Gain-of-Function Smashing Success: The Key Sequence Inserted in the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Added at Least *FOUR* Distinct Functions. Coincidence?

Menu