A Sanger sequencing protocol for SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐gene

Daniels, Rodney S.; Harvey, Ruth; Ermetal, Burcu; Xiang, Zheng; Galiano, Monica; Adams, Lorin; McCauley, John W.

We describe a Sanger sequencing protocol for SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐gene the Spike (S)‐glycoprotein product of which, composed of receptor‐binding (S1) and membrane fusion (S2) segments, is the target of vaccines used to combat COVID‐19. The protocol can be used in laboratories with basic Sanger sequencing capabilities and allows rapid “at source” screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, notably those of concern. The protocol has been applied for surveillance, with clinical specimens collected in either nucleic acid preservation lysis‐mix or virus transport medium, and research involving cultured viruses, and can yield data of public health importance in a timely manner.