Genomic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 delta variants pre- and post-omicron emergence using alignment-free machine learning models Sathish Sankar, Kaushika Anandharaman, Pradeesh Selvam, Aswini Jayaraman, Deepak Jayakumar, et al. Plos One, 2026 The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2), initially classified as a variant of concern due to its enhanced transmissibility and vaccine-escape mutations, underwent further genomic changes following the emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). This study investigates the genomic differences in Delta variant spike gene sequences collected before and after the emergence of Omicron. A total of 190 sequences were analyzed using an alignment-free approach incorporating k-mer-based feature extraction and machine learning models, including convolutional neural networks (CNN), K-means clustering, and random forest classification. The random forest model achieved 93% accuracy, with significant F1 scores, effectively distinguishing the two Delta variant groups. Comparative analysis revealed 157 persistent mutations and four vanished mutations in the post-Omicron group. Cluster analysis showed notable shifts, indicating stable yet evolving genomic patterns over time. The study demonstrates the advantage of alignment-free methods in detecting subtle sequence variations that alignment-based approaches may overlook. These findings enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and provide a framework for identifying key genomic signatures relevant to public health. The methodology and insights gained offer potential applications in variant surveillance, vaccine design, and viral evolutionary studies, supporting preparedness for future SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence.
In Silico Prediction Of Mirna And Gene-Network Analysis Of Ttn Gene, A Key Regulator Of Squamous Cell Neoplasms Chevuru Sai Shreya Reddy, Sathish Sankar International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, 2026 Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It’s usually found in areas of the body damaged by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Titin is a protein that is found in humans and is enclosed by the TTN gene. Titin is a giant protein, greater than 1μM in length, that functions as a molecular spring which is responsible for the passive elasticity of muscle. Predicting the targeted miRNA related to TTN in regulation of squamous cell neoplasm. Gene network analysis of TTN was carried out by STRING database where score of <0.99 considered. Target miRNAs predicted by miRDB prediction and target score 91 and alone considered. TTN is highly oncogenic and is associated with many other genes and affects their activity when upregulated and downregulated. The TTN gene is highly expressed in the squamous cell neoplasms and helps in the proliferation and metastasis of the cancer. Its overexpression had a positive correlation of growing tumors and neoplasms TTN mutation may be associated with squamous all carcinoma and positively correlated and can serve as a potential indicator of squamous cell cancer
Discovery of HCV vaccine: Where do we stand? Pachamuthu Balakrishnan, Shanmugam Saravanan, Ramachandran Vignesh, Sathasivam Sivamalar, Duraisamy Nallusamy, et al. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2025
A case of acute febrile illness with multiple IgM positives: Risk of dependence on IgM-based serological tests Journal International Medical Sciences Academy, 2021
Viral diseases of public health importance in india: Current priorities with special emphasis on prevention Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, 2017
