Newly funded: A closer look at SARS-CoV-2’s genome

Using both commercial reference material and potential clinical samples from the University of Minnesota Medical School, Lions Gift of Sight, and Veterinary Medical Center, a team of researchers led by Declan Schroeder, PhD, will convert a targeted next-generation sequencing approach (that was developed in-house) to sequence SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Schroeder's team has a proven track record of successfully sequencing other positive single-stranded RNA viruses such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in swine and deformed wing virus in bees. A closer look at the whole genome of the SARS-CoV-2 from multiple sources will help scientists better understand how it moves, evolves, and functions, which can help predict possible future re-emergence in both humans and animals. It can also be used as a powerful diagnostic tool for screening SARS-CoV-2 directly from various clinical materials.