Summary: Researchers identified key SARS-CoV-2 mutations that increased the virus’ ability to spread, using a novel genomic surveillance model that could also be applied to other pathogens.

Takeaways:

  1. Mutation Impact Identified – Scientists pinpointed a small number of SARS-CoV-2 mutations that significantly boosted the virus’ ability to spread, particularly in the spike protein and other less-studied regions.
  2. Advanced Surveillance Tool – The team developed a mathematically simple yet effective model that uses genomic data to detect transmission-enhancing mutations, even in low-frequency variants.
  3. Future Pathogen Monitoring – This methodology can be adapted to track the evolution of other pathogens, such as influenza, aiding global efforts to predict and control emerging infectious diseases.

By analyzing millions of viral genome sequences from around the world, a team of scientists, led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) and the University of Pittsburgh, uncovered the specific mutations that give SARS-CoV-2 a ‘turbo boost’ in its ability to spread.

“Among thousands of SARS-CoV-2 mutations, we identified a small number that increase the virus’ ability to spread,” says Professor Matthew McKay, a laboratory head at the Doherty Institute and ARC Future Fellow in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Melbourne, and co-lead author of the study published in Nature Communications.

Detecting SARS-COV-2 Variants

Many of these key mutations are in the spike protein, which helps the virus enter human cells and is the target of antibodies. But the team also found important mutations in other, less-studied parts of the virus that enhance its ability to bind to human cells, evade the immune system, or alter protein structure.

“Our approach is mathematically simple yet highly effective,” added McKay. “Unlike previous techniques, our model leverages genomic surveillance data to pinpoint the exact mutations driving the spread of certain variants, even when they appear in just a small fraction of cases.”

Applications for Other Pathogens

While this new model focuses exclusively on SARS-CoV-2, the researchers believe it can be adapted to study the transmission of other pathogens, such as influenza.

“This is one of the first practical tools to systematically quantify how individual mutations impact viral transmission on a global scale,” says Associate Professor John Barton from the University of Pittsburgh, co-lead author of the study. Our method is like a magnifying glass for viral evolution, helping public health systems spot and monitor highly transmissible variants before they become widespread/ Not only can we track SARS-CoV-2 more effectively, but our method can also be adapted to study the evolution of other pathogens, helping us stay ahead of future outbreaks. It’s a powerful tool for global efforts to tackle emerging diseases.”