Using cutting-edge genome sequencing techniques, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, have discovered variants in the COVID-19 virus’s RNA, according to officials. The fixation of these intra-host variations and mutations that results in variants have both been researched by experts. The journal “Nucleic Acid Research” has published the findings of the two-phase investigation.
“The COVID-19 virus’s RNA structure frequently experiences minute alterations within the host cells” (intra-host variations). The nucleotide, which serves as the basis for the RNA molecule, is where these alterations take place. According to Mitali Mukerji, Head of Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering at IIT Jodhpur. Many of these intra-host differences are included by enzymes present in the host cell as an immunological response.
Scientists have discovered parallels between populations and pandemic waves. Additionally, it observed the evolution of the iSNVs to see whether the variants created inside the host cells might survive outside, eventually stabilizing as SNVs. By June 30th, 2021, approximately 80% of the iSNV locations discovered in 2020 had been repaired as SNCs. Phase 2 tests that revealed iSNVs were present in the majority of the Delta and Kappa variants prior to their fixation as SNVs by February 2021, substantiated the conversion of iSNVs to SNVs. By altering antibody production in infected people, the evolution of SNVs from iSNVs, “had the potential impact vaccine response,” according to Ms. Mukherjee.
