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PLoS Computational Biology Issue Image | Vol. 16(9) September 2020

Genetic grouping of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus sequences using informative subtype markers for pandemic spread visualization

The novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in over 32 million confirmed infections worldwide (as of September 25, 2020). Zhao et al have proposed an efficient methodology for genetically subtyping the SARS-CoV-2 virus. DNA sequence entropy identifies variable nucleotide sites, which are used to generate genetic signatures called informative subtype markers (ISMs). This image shows the resulting global distribution of predominant genetic subtypes of the virus. Spatiotemporal mapping of the distribution of ISM subtypes can track the progress of the pandemic. ISM patterns can also be analyzed to identify emerging sets of covarying mutations.

Image Credit: Zhao et al

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Genetic grouping of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus sequences using informative subtype markers for pandemic spread visualization

The novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in over 32 million confirmed infections worldwide (as of September 25, 2020). Zhao et al have proposed an efficient methodology for genetically subtyping the SARS-CoV-2 virus. DNA sequence entropy identifies variable nucleotide sites, which are used to generate genetic signatures called informative subtype markers (ISMs). This image shows the resulting global distribution of predominant genetic subtypes of the virus. Spatiotemporal mapping of the distribution of ISM subtypes can track the progress of the pandemic. ISM patterns can also be analyzed to identify emerging sets of covarying mutations.

Image Credit: Zhao et al

https://doi.org/10.1371/image.pcbi.v16.i09.g001