Unveiling SARS-CoV-2 evolution: Insights from nucleotide and protein sequence phylogenetic analysis

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has evolved since the beginning of the pandemic, generating new virus versions with different characteristics that have replaced pre-existing variants. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing the most recent and diverse nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the surface glycoprotein from the alpha, beta, delta, and omicron variants. The inclusion of sequences from various sources enriched the dataset, offering a more detailed perspective on the virus's genetic diversity and current evolutionary dynamics. The phylogenetic analysis revealed unexpected clustering patterns among the variants, highlighting potential shared genetic characteristics, evolutionary pressures, and convergent evolution. The study's meticulous curation of sequences and exclusion of redundant data aimed to improve the precision of the evolutionary relationships presented. The findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic diversity, adaptation, and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants, emphasizing the importance of continued genomic surveillance and in-depth analyses to understand the evolving dynamics of the virus.