Occurrence of Recurrent Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Genome and its Implications in the Drug Designing Strategies

Author(s): Niti Yashvardhini, Deepak Kumar Jha

Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore mutational sites in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 of Indian isolates through multiple sequence alignment and comparing it with the reference sequence of Wuhan SARS-CoV-2. These mutational studies generate crucial insights in designing of antiviral agents against COVID-19 infections.

Methods: Sequence downloaded from NCBI virus database and multiple sequence alignment done using CLUSTAL Omega online platform, viewed using Jalview.

Results: A total of 64 recurrent mutations were detected from Indian isolates of SARS-CoV-2 which were phylogenetically distant from that of Wuhan type.

Conclusion: Occurrence of new mutations at different locations supports viral evolbability and provides a crucial insight into the development of effective vaccine and drug against COVID-19.