We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App





New Process Analyzes Predominant SARS-CoV-2 Mutations as Well as Possible New Virus Variants

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Jan 2021
A new and more efficient process has been developed to determine not only predominant SARS-CoV-2 mutations but also minor occurring mutations in the virus population which might become eventually new strains.

The Click Tech Single Strain Mutation Mapping Kit for SARS-CoV-2 developed by baseclick GmbH (Munich, Germany), together with “long-read” sequence methods, such as those provided by Pacific Biosciences (Menlo Park, CA, USA) allows an exact genomic assignment and an assessment of the frequency of newly-emerging virus variants in the population. More...
With the analysis method, it is also possible to identify all SARS-CoV-2 mutations within a COVID-19 patient, including those over the course of the disease.

The rapid spread of the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus variant B.1.1.7 in the UK and other countries shows changes in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to new biological properties. Most of the approximately 12,000 mutations in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that have been identified since February 2020 so far did not change the biological properties of the virus. However, some of the almost 4,000 mutations that have been identified in the spike protein (S-Protein) have influenced the biological properties infectivity, disease progression and immunogenicity of the mutant SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is increasingly important to contain and manage the infection progress not only by detection of aSARS-CoV-2 infection e.g. by PCR, but also to carry out a genetic analysis of the infecting strain.

Currently, genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 is based on the Amplicon methods. The genome part responsible for infectivity, disease progression and immunogenicity is dissected into small sections and subsequently sequenced. Mutations and thus, possible new virus variants are determined using mathematical methods. In contrast, baseclick offers a kit that generates first a 1:1 cDNA copy of the entire 30,000 base-long SARS-CoV-2 mRNA genome, irrespective of the strain involved. Secondly, overlapping genomic fragments up to 4.2 kb are amplified of critical S-E-M-N coding genome part. When coupled with existing long-read NGS technologies, these long DNA fragments can even be used to precisely distinguish and characterize multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. This can be used to predict e.g. genome plasticity, presents of multiple strains in a patient, mutation accumulation during infection in patients, etc.

“It is good news that baseclick has now developed a highly efficient analysis method to analyze SARS-CoV-2 mutations since the increased occurrence of new SARS-CoV-2 virus strains,” said baseclick CEO Dr. Thomas Frischmuth. “With our sequencing kit, the genome section responsible for infectivity, disease progression and immunogenicity is directly analyzed and mutations can be assigned directly without any intermediate mathematical steps.”

“Research into the SARS-CoV-2 mutations and emerging virus strains is just beginning. More knowledge about this will support vaccine development, therapies and the management of this pandemic, and we are making a new and decisive contribution to this,” added Dr. Frischmuth.

Related Links:
baseclick GmbH
Pacific Biosciences



Gold Member
SARS-CoV-2 Reactive & Non-Reactive Controls
Qnostics SARS-CoV-2 Typing
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
NATtrol Chlamydia trachomatis Positive Control
New
Hand-Held Immunofluorescence Analyzer
WS-Si1500
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.