?:abstract
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To identify features in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that may contribute to its viral replication, host pathogenicity, and vulnerabilities, we investigated how and to what extent the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence differs from other well-characterized human and animal coronavirus genomes Our analyses suggest the presence of unique sequence signatures in the 3\'-untranslated region (UTR) of betacoronavirus lineage B, which phylogenetically encompasses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, as well as multiple groups of bat and animal coronaviruses In addition, we identified genome-wide patterns of variation across different SARS-CoV-2 strains that likely reflect the effects of selection Finally, we provide evidence for a possible host microRNA-mediated interaction between the 3\'-UTR and human microRNA hsa-miR-1307-3p based on predicted, yet extensive, complementary base-pairings and similar interactions involving the Influenza A H1N1 virus This interaction also suggests a possible survival mechanism, whereby a mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 3\'-UTR leads to a weakened host immune response The potential roles of host microRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 replication and infection, and the exploitation of conserved features in the 3\'-UTR as therapeutic targets warrant further investigation
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