Imagine possessing the power to foresee the appearance of hazardous viral strains well in advance of their impact. The scientists at Scripps Research in the USA invented an ML algorithm that employs spatial covariance, built upon Gaussian process (GP) principles, to monitor how genetic changes influence host-pathogen balance in biological contexts. Utilizing GP-based SCV (Spatial CoVariance) facilitates the association between variations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome and pathological manifestations. Utilizing GP-based SCV relationships and conducting genome-wide co-occurrence analysis create an early warning anomaly detection (EWAD) system for Variants of Concern (VOCs). EWAD can anticipate changes in the pattern of spread and pathology weeks or months ahead, identifying potential VOCs. Furthermore, GP-based SCV showcases a starting point to understand nature’s evolutionary path to complexity through natural selection. It carries significance beyond just the COVID-19 outbreak, stretching across different areas of human health to show how genetic variation impacts conditions like cancer and neurodegeneration.
The Terror of SARS-CoV-2
A global pandemic quickly emerged due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Over 600 million individuals have been impacted, and approximately 6 million deaths are expected as a consequence. Notably, the majority of severe cases and fatalities were observed in individuals aged 60 and above. The appearance of troubling variants such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron exacerbated the already significant worldwide social and economic disruption.
For scientists to grasp the behavior of the virus and its increased fatality in older adults, experts underline the significance of investigating its entire genetic blueprint, called whole genome architecture (WGA), and analyzing its changes based on global genetic variability and physiological reactions from the host. Developing effective strategies to combat the virus and protect vulnerable populations relies on this crucial research.
Considering its initial appearance, the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 has undergone significant changes. The result of this evolution is the emergence of several Variants of Concern (VOCs). The prevalence within the population and potential impact on disease severity are used to identify these VOCs. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that VOC assignments may not cover all genetic alterations accountable for actual disease ramifications.
This leaves room for other “variant dark matter” elements that actively contribute to shaping the virus’s progression. For a more comprehensive understanding of the virus and its evolutionary process, researchers must consistently analyze all genetic variations in relation to real-world cases of infection and mortality so that valuable insights into the spread and mutation of the virus can be obtained.
Understanding the Genetic Makeup of Coronavirus with Machine Learning
When aiming to gain more insights into SARS-CoV-2, utilizing Gaussian Process (GP) Regression as a machine learning method could provide substantial value. It can estimate and interpolate values for unknown data points based on limited known data. Regularly utilized in multiple scientific areas by incorporating multiple variables, GP-based covariance relationships assist in examining complex environments to gain insights into the spatial distance between data points over both space and time.
Regression using Gaussian Processes (GP) finds application in the recently developed technique referred to as spatial covariance (SCV), devised by Researcher Salvatore Loguercio and his team. This approach aims to understand how genetic variation influences inherited genetic diseases. Examining modifications in amino acid residues is the main area of interest for SCV. Comprehending these connections helps grasp the correlation between genetic alterations and their effects on health and disease. By means of its versatile technique, SCV can estimate the probability of particular results linked to modified protein function and reactions to therapies. Across the protein sequence, this prediction remains valid.
When considering RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the increased variant frequency can occur due to random genetic drift. The phenomenon can also be influenced by positive selection based on fitness. Hence, connecting these viral mutations to particular functional results while also grasping their role within the virus’s life cycle presents a difficulty that is exacerbated by the absence of systematic approaches and varying populations. And integrating databases containing mutation information with experimental and clinical outcomes is still in the early stages.
EWAD: The Key to Unlocking the Mysteries of Coronavirus
Researchers utilize Gaussian Process (GP) to investigate the swiftly changing mutant alleles found in various SARS-CoV-2 lineages. This approach makes it possible to generate “allele phenotype landscapes,” thereby illuminating the relevance of every allele position throughout the outbreak. It spans from the initial Wuhan strain to the recent Omicron variants, involving a vast dataset of 5,600,000 sequences over 724 days. By forging associations using the “Spatial Covariance” (SCV) concept, such landscapes offer important insights into how the virus’s propagation is connected to disease severity and mortality. Furthermore, examining co-occurring mutations allows for a more profound comprehension of the evolutionary process of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Each Variant of Concern (VOC) exhibits distinct GP-based “search” strategies which progress and transform over the course of time.
A remarkable Early Warning Anomaly Detection (EWAD) system is developed by carefully analyzing the co-occurring events and discrepancies identified in GP-based SCV maps. It functions as a notifier of possible new VOCs. The unraveling of the “Red Queen” effect is done by EWAD. It reveals how features across the entire genome, including “variant dark matter,” contribute to the complex dynamics between the virus and its host. This unconventional hierarchical mapping allows EWAD to provide a unique perspective on the emergence of VOCs. Moreover, by offering a performance map, EWAD assists in keeping tabs on the shifting trends of spread and fatality. These give critical observations related to the transformation from pandemic to endemic statuses.
How GP-based SCD and EWAD Can Help Us Be Prepared for Outbreaks
The authors performed a spatial covariance (SCV) analysis. Their goal was to study how SARS-CoV-2 mutations influenced infection and fatality rates throughout different phases of the pandemic. Alterations in infection and fatality rates showed notable correlations with specific mutations. They used genetic variation data from different time points to generate allele-based phenotype landscapes. Their attention was directed towards specific VOCs, for instance, the Alpha and Delta variations. As the worldwide health emergency progressed, different viral strains exhibited distinctive mutation distribution, and their interactions with hosts were observed. The demonstration of their unique evolutionary trajectories and how they respond to host countermeasures is indicated by this finding.
By leveraging GP residuals, particularly emphasizing “FR (fatality rate) residuals,” we can have an advanced warning mechanism for identifying the occurrence of VOCs in SARS-CoV-2. When the FR residual is negative, it indicates other mutations around seem to have a better impact on fatality than this particular mutation. Indications of a positive FR residual signify that the mutation is making remarkable progress. Observing and analyzing the combined patterns of viral systems become possible through monitoring these residuals based on GP. In addition, it furnishes live observations regarding the possible effect of particular mutations on the advancement of a pandemic.
The Alpha VOC and Omicron VOC were accurately forecasted by the EWAD system, highlighting its successful track record in making forecasts. In addition to its value in identifying newly emerging lineages. This approach effectively monitors the evolution of VOC sub-lineages, exposing us to knowledge about how the pandemic may unfold within various populations globally.
Conclusion
A viral outbreak can happen at any time. Once it starts, a significant number of lives are lost before it can be brought under control. Machine learning approaches like GP-based SCV aid in predicting the type of mutations viruses undergo and their probable impacts on the human population. This can be of immense help in getting prepared to tackle a viral outbreak before it happens, and with even further advancements, we may be able to prevent the outbreaks altogether!
Story Source: Reference Paper
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Neegar is a consulting scientific content writing intern at CBIRT. She's a final-year student pursuing a B.Tech in Biotechnology at Odisha University of Technology and Research. Neegar's enthusiasm is sparked by the dynamic and interdisciplinary aspects of bioinformatics. She possesses a remarkable ability to elucidate intricate concepts using accessible language. Consequently, she aspires to amalgamate her proficiency in bioinformatics with her passion for writing, aiming to convey pioneering breakthroughs and innovations in the field of bioinformatics in a comprehensible manner to a wide audience.
