Why is it in the News?

The omicron subvariant JN.1. is likely to soon become the dominant lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide, according to researchers at the University of Tokyo. The subvariant has a mutation in its spike protein, L455S, also called a “FLip” mutation.

Context:

• The mutations denoted as L455S and L455F are termed "FLip" mutations due to their role in interchanging the positions of amino acids F and L within the spike protein.
• These mutations enhance the virus's transmissibility.
• The substitution associated with these mutations reduces the receptor binding capacity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein present in epithelial cells across various body parts, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
• ACE2 serves as a crucial entry point for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, binding through its spike-like protein on the virus's surface.
• The FLip mutations, specifically L455F and F456L, are characterized by the swapping of positions between two amino acids, F and L, within the spike protein.

What is Flip Mutation?

• A flip mutation, also known as bit flip mutation, is a genetic operator used in evolutionary algorithms, particularly genetic algorithms (GAs).
• It works by randomly flipping the values of individual genes (bits) within a chromosome, introducing small changes to the genetic makeup of an individual.
  • Imagine a chromosome as a string of 0s and 1s, representing the genetic code for a specific trait or characteristic.
• A flip mutation randomly selects one or more of these bits and changes their values.
  • For example, a 0 might be flipped to a 1, or vice versa.
• The following image depicts flip mutation:

How does it work:?

• Individual selection: An individual is selected from the population.
• Gene selection: One or more genes (bits) within the individual's chromosome are randomly chosen.
• Bit flipping: The value of each selected gene is flipped. This means that a 0 is changed to a 1, and vice versa.