Bioinformatics Study and Genomic Analysis of the Lassa Virus Envelope Glycoproteins

Background: The Lassa virus has been endemic throughout Africa since the 1960s. It is the causative agent of Lassa fever, which annually impacts between 100,000 and 300,000 individuals, predominantly in West Africa, leading to over 5,000 deaths. Infected rodents transmit the disease, when they come into contact with contaminated food or goods. The overall mortality rate is approximately 1%, but it increases to 15% in severe cases. Pregnant women in their third trimester are especially vulnerable to the condition, with a higher risk of fatality. Objective: The purpose of this project is to create computer-based techniques for analyzing Lassa virus envelope glycoproteins and distinguishing them from other groups of proteins. Methods: We employed a range of software programs, including specialized computational genomics software, to assess the probability of each glycoprotein sequence being intrinsically disordered. We achieved this by analyzing the Protein Intrinsic Disorder Profile (PIDP) and its polarity profile using PIM 3.0v (Protein Intrinsic Mobility). Results: We examined the PIM 3.0v and PIDP profiles, which revealed clear patterns in the envelope glycoproteins of the Lassa virus. These patterns made it easier to recognize structural and morphological similarities among these proteins. Conclusions: PIM 3.0v can distinguish Lassa virus glycoproteins and may be useful for identification. This study advances bioinformatics and disease control by improving our understanding of the Lassa virus. Our web database investigation shows that the PIM 3.0v profile can identify this group.