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Phylogenomic characterization and signs of microevolution in the 2022 multi-country outbreak of monkeypox virus

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Monkeypox Outbreak: One Origin, Accelerated Evolution, and a Touch of APOBEC3?

The 2022 monkeypox outbreak likely originated from a single source and belongs to clade 3. The virus exhibits accelerated evolution, potentially driven by APOBEC3-mediated genome editing, and shows signs of ongoing microevolution during human-to-human transmission.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that the monkeypox virus spreading now likely started from one place and is changing super fast as it jumps from person to person.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified.

Identified Limitations

Limited sampling
The limited sampling, especially for the initial cases, makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact origins and introduction pathways of the outbreak.
Correlation does not equal causation
The study relies on correlational data and cannot definitively establish a causal link between APOBEC3 activity and MPXV evolution. Further functional studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Lack of functional validation
While the study identifies potential targets of human adaptation in MPXV, it does not provide direct evidence of their functional role. Further research is needed to assess their impact on viral transmissibility or pathogenicity.

Rating Explanation

This study provides valuable insights into the 2022 monkeypox outbreak by characterizing the virus's genomic features and evolutionary trajectory. The identification of accelerated evolution and potential APOBEC3-mediated editing is significant. The limitations regarding sampling and the need for further functional validation are acknowledged but do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the research.

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Life Sciences
Subfield: Virology

File Information

Original Title: Phylogenomic characterization and signs of microevolution in the 2022 multi-country outbreak of monkeypox virus
Uploaded: July 14, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Privacy: Public