The Medicine and Pharmacy State University (USMF) is the first Moldovan institution to have entered the results of a complete sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome into the international repository GISAID. The sequencing has offered valuable insights into the strains of the novel coronavirus circulating in Moldova.
This scientific achievement has been possible thanks to a partnership with the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). To obtain a complete sequencing of the viral genome, seven samples taken from patients with different clinical forms and from various areas of Moldova were sent to ICEGB.
During a teleconference organized by the USMF Research Department, academician and prorector Stanislav Groppa said the sequencing revealed that the deadly virus has a special characteristic: “It’s much greater in size than the viruses known to date, either influenza viruses or otherwise. It’s been revealed that there are four genes that determine the state and behavior of this virus.”
According to Groppa, the genome sequencing offers a possibility to know the structure of the virus, to follow its evolution. As the virus is transmitted further and further, its structure changes. At the same time, sequencing allows researchers to see what the route was. “We will be able to track the genetic diversity of the virus - how does it change? In Moldova, we are a little different compared to other countries, in the sense that migration processes are higher. Our fellow citizens work in different geographical areas, they return carrying certain strains of this virus. There’s also the issue of how the virus behaves in the autumn-winter season and how it associates with various other infections. We could also talk about mutation, which could make the infected people develop a disease,” said Stanislav Groppa.
Professor Alessandro Marcello, leader of the research team at the ICGEB’s Molecular Virology Laboratory, said that SARS-CoV-2 is a slowly evolving virus. “It is important to understand that we are talking about exactly the same strain that mutates and based on mutations we are talking about clusters, and compared to the original form from China, the virus that we detected and sequenced is just very little different.” the researcher noted.
Attending the event, USMF rector Emil Ceban said that a COVID-19 activity-research platform was created, and with the help of professor Alessandro Marcello, today the first results are presented. “These results open new perspectives and will lead to the creation of new research projects, both national and international, and strategies for young researchers,” said the rector.
