Using a novel sequencing method to explore signatures of viral mutation

Viruses can jump hosts and develop resistance due to genetic changes caused by mutations. Currently we have a limited
understanding of viral mutations as traditional genetic sequencing technology can only extract certain mutations (those that occur
at high frequency). Duplex seq is a sequencing technology able to detect rare mutations due to its very low error rate, however it
has not been implemented for analyzing viral mutations. Using this novel technique will allow for a comprehensive analysis of viral
mutations, yielding less biased results compared to traditional sequencing. We plan to use this technology to study the mutations
that incur in an algal virus as it develops resistance to its host, shedding light on how early mutations give rise to later viral
resistance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rob Ness

Student:

Partner:

University of Konstanz

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: