Evolutionary Tracking of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants Highlights an Intricate Balance of Stabilizing and Destabilizing Mutations

Abstract

Since its initial isolation in Wuhan, China, large numbers of SARS CoV-2 genome sequences have been shared in publicly accessible repositories, thus enabling scientists to do detailed evolutionary analysis. We investigated the evolutionarily associated mutational diversity overlaid on the major phylogenetic lineages circulating globally, using 513 representative genomes. We detailed the phylogenetic persistence of key variants facilitating global expansion of the PANGOLIN variant B.1, including the recent, fast-expanding, B.1.1.7 lineage.