Biology

Genomic recombination events may reveal the evolution of coronavirus and the origin of SARS-CoV-2

Z. Zhu, K. Meng, et al.

Explore the fascinating evolution of coronaviruses and the potential origins of SARS-CoV-2 through the groundbreaking research conducted by Zhenglin Zhu, Kaiwen Meng, and Geng Meng. Analyzing over 29,000 coronavirus genomes, this study uncovers significant recombination events and highlights the crucial role of bat coronaviruses in genetic diversity. Discover how viral adaptation to hosts is detected in the receptor-binding domain of the spike glycoprotein.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

To trace the evolution of coronaviruses and reveal the possible origin of SARS-CoV-2, we analyzed 29,452 coronavirus genomes. We observed three significant recombination events between human, bat, and pangolin isolates, including a recombination in the spike glycoprotein's receptor-binding domain (RBD), potentially explaining SARS-CoV-2's origin. Population genetic analyses suggest directional evolution of this RBD sequence, indicating viral adaptation to hosts. The high diversity of the RBD region in bat coronaviruses highlights their role as a reservoir of genetic diversity for SARS-CoV-2.

Publisher

Scientific Reports

Published On

Dec 10, 2020

Authors

Zhenglin Zhu, Kaiwen Meng, Geng Meng

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