SNaPshot minisequencing for SARS CoV 2 Variant Genotyping

Abstract Introduction/Objective The SNaPshot Multiplex System (Thermo Fisher) can investigate up to fifty SNP markers simultaneously by using PCR amplification and subsequent dideoxy single base extension of an unlabeled primer and capillary electrophoresis. After electrophoresis and fluorescence detection, the alleles of a single marker appear as different colored peaks at roughly the same size in the electropherogram plot. The size of the different allele peaks vary slightly due to differences in molecular weight of the dyes. We propose a new set of primers and probes to use this system to differentiate variants of SARs Cov 2 variants. Methods/Case Report SNAPSHOT analysis was performed using the primers designed internally and analysis was done of up to 7 mutation hot spots, which were 417, 4511, 478, 484, 501, 614, and 681. By implementing the algorithm of systems and methods herein with the traces depicted in Figures, true positive and true negative outcomes for the different COVID variants can be performed, based on the highlighted peaks, which are not necessarily the most intense peaks. 10 Positive controls achieved from in stro transcript plasmid was tested then 10 viral RNA obtained through BEI Resources, NIAID was tested after mixed into 30 pooled negative PCR-swab specimens. Genmapper was used for analysis of results. 40 Korean patient samples were tested as well. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Both In vitro transcript and derived specimens of wild type, alpha, beta, delta, gamma, kappa, omicron, and pirola showed expected results in 78/80 of the specimens. For example,delta B.1.617.2 variant showed 1 = A (green) at Primer 452R-F, 2 = G (blue): Primer 484Q-F, and 3 = A (green) at Primer 614-F. Of note, hetero type was noted in a few of the patient strains but none of the BEI strains and this may be due to a transfromation of the virus and worth investigation. Conclusion The SNaPshot® Multiplex System is a accurate system that may be applied to multiple applications including viral strain anylsis and here we can show how it may be effectively used for SARS-Cov-2 gentotyping. Using this technique, it is possible to analyze more than 50 SNPs distributed throughout the genome in a single multiplex reaction, making it an advantage when compared with traditional sequencing reaction. This is a important study that shows that this technique may be used in multiple field applictions.