Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions.

Distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, discovered through various genomic surveillance initiatives, have emerged during the pandemic following unprecedented reductions in worldwide human mobility. We here describe a SARS-CoV-2 lineage - designated B.1.620 - discovered in Lithuania and carrying many mutations and deletions in the spike protein shared with widespread variants of concern (VOCs), including E484K, S477N and deletions HV69Δ, Y144Δ, and LLA241/243Δ. As well as documenting the suite of mutations this lineage carries, we also describe its potential to be resistant to neutralising antibodies, accompanying travel histories for a subset of European cases, evidence of local B.1.620 transmission in Europe with a focus on Lithuania, and significance of its prevalence in Central Africa owing to recent genome sequencing efforts there. We make a case for its likely Central African origin using advanced phylogeographic inference methodologies incorporating recorded travel histories of infected travellers

Proteasomes and Proteasomal Gene Polymorphism in Association with Inflammation and Various Diseases

A proteasome, a multicatalytic protein complex, is a central particle of the ubiquitinproteasome proteolytic pathway in all eukaryotic cells. Through the degradation of most intracellular proteins, proteasomes play a significant role in cell processes, such as cell cycle and division, posttranslational protein quality control, cell signaling, and apoptosis. Therefore, the ubiquitinproteasome system is necessary to ensure the normal functioning of cells and an organism. The associations between alterations in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and the development of various autoimmune, neurodegenerative, inflammatory and other diseases in humans have been established. Moreover, the findings of some studies suggest that proteasomes may participate in the pathogenesis of asthma through the regulation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Recently, much attention has been given to the associations between genes encoding the proteasome and their polymorphism, and various diseases. Associations between some proteasomal genes and myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other diseases have already been established. However, the results are inconclusive or conflicting and need further clarification

Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions

Distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, discovered through various genomic surveillance initiatives, have emerged during the pandemic following unprecedented reductions in worldwide human mobility. We here describe a SARS-CoV-2 lineage - designated B.1.620 - discovered in Lithuania and carrying many mutations and deletions in the spike protein shared with widespread variants of concern (VOCs), including E484K, S477N and deletions HV69Δ, Y144Δ, and LLA241/243Δ. As well as documenting the suite of mutations this lineage carries, we also describe its potential to be resistant to neutralising antibodies, accompanying travel histories for a subset of European cases, evidence of local B.1.620 transmission in Europe with a focus on Lithuania, and significance of its prevalence in Central Africa owing to recent genome sequencing efforts there. We make a case for its likely Central African origin using advanced phylogeographic inference methodologies incorporating recorded travel histories of infected travellers