ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF HIV-1 SUBTYPE A6
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Date
2021
Authors
Abidi, Syed Hani
Aibekova, Lazzat
Davlidova, Salima
Amangeldiyeva, Aidana
Foley, Brian
Ali, Syed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS ONE
Abstract
HIV outbreaks in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries were characterized by repeated transmission of the HIV variant AFSU, which is now classified as a distinct subtype A sub-subtype called A6. The current study used phylogenetic/phylodynamic and signature mutation analyses to determine likely evolutionary relationship between subtype A6 and other subtype A sub-subtypes.
Methods
For this study, an initial Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using a total of 553 full-length, publicly available, reverse transcriptase sequences, from A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 sub-subtypes of subtype A. For phylogenetic clustering and signature mutation analysis, a total of 5961 and 3959 pol and env sequences, respectively, were used.
Results
Phylogenetic and signature mutation analysis showed that HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 likely originated from sub-subtype A1 of African origin. A6 and A1 pol and env genes shared several signature mutations that indicate genetic similarity between the two subtypes. For A6, tMRCA dated to 1975, 15 years later than that of A1.
Conclusion
The current study provides insights into the evolution and diversification of A6 in the backdrop of FSU countries and indicates that A6 in FSU countries evolved from A1 of African origin and is getting bridged outside the FSU region.
Description
Keywords
Type of access: Open Access, HIV-1
Citation
Abidi, S. H., Aibekova, L., Davlidova, S., Amangeldiyeva, A., Foley, B., & Ali, S. (2021). Origin and evolution of HIV-1 subtype A6. PLOS ONE, 16(12), e0260604. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260604