A Codon-Pair Bias Associated With Network Interactions in Influenza A, B, and C Genomes

Abstract

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A new codon-pair bias present in the genomes of different types of influenza virus is described. Codons with fewer network interactions are more frequency paired together than other codon-pairs in influenza A, B, and C genomes. A shared feature among three different influenza types suggests an evolutionary bias. Codon-pair preference can affect both speed of protein translation and RNA structure. This newly identified bias may provide insight into drivers of virus evolution.

Keywords

• influenza
• codon deoptimization
• attenuation
• selective pressure
• codon-pair
• evolutionary bias