Newly identified gene may have contributed to rapid evolution of COVID-19
An international team of researchers has identified a previously uncharacterized gene within the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome that may be important in understanding the origins and evolution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The newly identified gene, which the researchers have named ORF3c, is an example of an overlapping gene (OLG). According to the authors, OLGs are functional genomic elements that have been somewhat overlooked in the past, despite them having previously been indicated in the origins of viral pandemics.
The researchers say their analysis demonstrating that SARS-CoV-2 contains an OLG that has not yet been properly studied shows that OLGs deserve more attention, particularly as their contribution to the emergence of zoonotic viruses may be more significant than is currently realized.
A pre-print version of the paper can be accessed in the server bioRxiv*, while the article undergoes peer review.
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