Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The omicron subvariant JN.1, characterized by the “FLip” mutation L455S in its spike protein, is expected to become the dominant lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide.
- This subvariant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage, has shown rapid growth and was designated a variant of interest (VOI).
- The “FLip” mutations, including L455S and L455F, are associated with increased transmissibility.
- The mutation affects the receptor binding capacity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the protein that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses as an entry point.
- This alteration results in stronger binding to ACE2, potentially reducing protection from natural antibodies.
Flip mutation
This type of mutation is performed when we use binary crossover. A randomly selected bit of a chromosome is flipped, as shown in the following diagram.
L455S and L455F are called “FLip” mutations because they switch the positions of amino acids F and L on the spike protein, increasing their transmissibility.
