Geometrical study of DNA sequences of New World hantavirus and Nipah virus using the ATG genomic walk method
Viral genome analysis is essential for characterizing genetic variation and evolutionary patterns, while complementary computational approaches may provide additional insights beyond conventional sequence-based methods. In this paper, the complete RNAs of New World hantavirus and Nipah virus are analyzed using a DNA walk method that traces the distribution of ATG triplets along sequences. It provides visual one-dimensional models (ATG trajectories) of genomes on a plane and quantitative estimates based on: (i) point-defined relative values of the divergence of ATG trajectories, (ii) relative global-defined standard deviation of ATG triplet numbers in a studied set of sequences, and (iii) relative global-defined standard deviation of fractal dimension values of inter-ATG distances in the same sequence set. These calculated parameters for the two species mentioned are compared with those of previously studied viruses, allowing them to be arranged in the following order based on their increasing sensitivity to variations in ATG distribution: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Nipah, Ebola, and dengue viruses, which is in good accordance with their observed and recognized mutability. The method verified in this paper can be used as a supplementary pre-screening qualitative and quantitative tool for conventional sequencing analysis.
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