Selection analysis identifies unusual clustered mutational changes in Omicron lineage BA.1 that likely impact Spike function
D. P. Martin, S. Lytras, A. G. Lucaci, W. Maier, B. Gruning, S. D. Shank, S. Weaver, O. S. MacLean, R. J. Orton, P. Lemey, M. F. Boni, H. Tegally, G. W. Harkins, C. Scheepers, J. N. Bhiman, , S. L. Kosakovsky Pond
The paper identifies 13 rare mutations in the Omicron S-gene that cluster in functionally important regions and likely impact Spike function, suggesting cooperative interactions that mitigate fitness costs.
bioRxiv · Jan 14, 2022 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology