Comparative sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 suggests its high transmissibility and pathogenicity
Open Access
- 1 March 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Future Medicine Ltd in Future Virology
- Vol. 16 (3), 245-254
- https://doi.org/10.2217/fvl-2020-0204
Abstract
Aim: Because the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 is newly introduced to humans, we aimed to understand the unique features of its genome and proteins, crucial for high transmissibility and disease severity. Materials & methods: The available genome and protein sequences of SARS-CoV-2 with known human and nonhuman CoV were analyzed using multiple sequence alignment programs. Results: Our analysis revealed some unique mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike, ORF1a/b, ORF3a/3b and ORF8. The most interesting ones were in the spike angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding-motif and generation of a furin-like cleavage site as well as deletions of ORF3a ‘diacidic motif’ and the entire ORF3b. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 has diverged from SARS-CoV-1 but is most close to bat-SL-CoV. Unique mutations in spike and ORF3a/b proteins strongly endorse its adaptive evolution, enhanced infectivity and severe pathogenesis in humans.Keywords
Funding Information
- Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Riyadh (Rg-1435-053)
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