Uncovering the Genetic Mechanism Behind SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Rate: The Development of tARC-seq Technology
Scientists Uncover Mechanism Behind SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Rate
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have unveiled a new technology that has shed light on the underlying mechanism driving the mutation rate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic. The new technology, called tARC-seq, has enabled scientists to calculate the virus’s mutation rate and track its evolution in human populations.
The study, published in Nature Microbiology, details how tARC-seq has allowed researchers to capture new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells in the lab, mirroring observations from worldwide pandemic viral sequencing data. Dr. Christophe Herman, the corresponding author of the study, explained that the virus’s use of RNA, instead of DNA, for genetic information storage makes its replication process error-prone, leading to rapid mutation rates.
Initially, it was believed that SARS-CoV-2 would not mutate rapidly due to its self-repair mechanism. However, the emergence of multiple variants such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron globally proved otherwise. With tARC-seq, Herman’s team discovered mutation hotspots, particularly in the spike protein RNA, which is crucial for viral entry and vaccine development.
The technology also revealed template switching, where the virus jumps between RNA templates during replication, resulting in complex mutations and increased variability. This newfound understanding of SARS-CoV-2’s mutation dynamics is essential for pandemic surveillance and vaccine development.
Herman emphasized tARC-seq’s ability to monitor mutations in both lab cultures and clinical samples, providing a comprehensive view of viral evolution. The technology offers a valuable tool for researchers to stay ahead of the virus’s mutations and develop effective strategies to combat the ongoing pandemic.
The groundbreaking research conducted by Baylor College of Medicine opens up new possibilities for understanding and combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering hope for a better future in the fight against Covid-19.
Published By: Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On: Apr 23, 2024