# Genomic Analyses of Major SARS-CoV-2 Variants Predicting Multiple Regions of Pathogenic and Transmissive Importance

## TL;DR

This study identifies key genetic regions in SARS-CoV-2 variants that may influence their spread and disease severity.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to analyzing codon bias and coevolution in SARS-CoV-2 variants.

## Key findings

- Two codon sites in the orf8 and N genes show evidence of selective pressure.
- These codons are linked to real-world impacts on pathogenicity and transmissivity.
- The findings may aid in tracking and defending against emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains.

## Abstract

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has fueled its global proliferation since its discovery in 2019, with several notable variants having been responsible for increases in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Analyses of codon bias and usage in these variants between phylogenetic clades or lineages may grant insights into the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and identify target codons indicative of evolutionary or mutative trends that may prove useful in tracking or defending oneself against emerging strains. We processed a cohort of 120 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences through a statistical and bioinformatic pipeline to identify codons presenting evidence of selective pressure as well as codon coevolution. We report the identification of two codon sites in the orf8 and N genes demonstrating such evidence with real-world impacts on pathogenicity and transmissivity.