Analysis the molecular similarity of least common amino acid sites in ACE2 receptor to predict the potential susceptible species for SARS-CoV-2

TL;DR

This paper uses bioinformatics to predict which animal species might be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing amino acid sites in the ACE2 receptor.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel bioinformatic method using least common amino acid sites in ACE2 receptors to predict SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in animals.

Findings

The analysis identified 10 least common amino acid sites in ACE2 receptors that are consistent across 49 species.

The method successfully predicted potential susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in unexamined species.

The approach can serve as a screening tool for assessing infection risks in both domestic and wild animals.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals have been reported globally. However, the understanding of the complete spectrum of animals susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 remains limited. The virus’s dynamic nature and its potential to infect a wide range of animals are crucial considerations for a One Health approach that integrates both human and animal health. This study introduces a bioinformatic approach to predict potential susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in both domestic and wild animals. By examining genomic sequencing, we establish phylogenetic relationships between the virus and its potential hosts. We focus on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence and specific regions of the host species’ ACE2 receptor. We analyzed and compared ACE2 receptor sequences from 29 species known to be infected, selecting 10 least common amino acid sites (LCAS) from key binding domains based on similarity patterns. Our analysis included 49 species across primates, carnivores, rodents, and artiodactyls, revealing complete consistency in the LCAS and identifying them as potentially susceptible. We employed the LCAS similarity pattern to predict the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection in unexamined species. This method serves as a valuable screening tool for assessing infection risks in domestic and wild animals, aiding in the prevention of disease outbreaks.

Figures