D614G Mutation

D614G Mutation in SARS-CoV-2 detected in the

Philippines by JUSTIN BADLIS (Crypton)

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has reported the detection of the SARSCoV-2 variant known as the D614G from 9 samples collected from the Philippine General Hospital in Quezon City this July 2020.

The presence of spikes surrounding the virus core characterize the coronaviruses. These spikes enable the virus to attach to Angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present in epithelial cells of many organs, including the lungs, heart, and the kidneys.

Mutations are a part of the natural cycle viruses. This reported mutation occurred from the spike protein amino acid change originally from the D614 form. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was originally of the D614 variant, and studies reported how it completely replaced the G614 variant in Europe and the Americas.

The PGC however emphasizes that this detected mutation may not reflect mutational spread of the SARS-CoV-2, and just merely confirms G614. But what does this imply on our current situation on the ongoing pandemic?

What do we know?

than the original virus from China. A study by Zhang et al. explained that the spike protein reduces S1 shedding (the S protein domain that mediates receptor binding), which increases infectivity. In vitro studies also suggest that the D614G mutation seem to have higher levels of viral RNA1 which may contribute to its infectivity.

However, scientists urge that there is still no clear mechanism whether the variant is more transmissible than the D614. A study by Grubaugh and colleagues that the predominance of G614 in other areas are a product of chance, stating that the introduction of D614 from China declined, whereas the G614 predominant in Europe climbed. The same study also suggests that as of now, there is still no conclusive evidence whether the D614G variant is more transmissible, and whether it is harder to control.

Should we be concerned?

Studies link The D614G mutation to an increased infectivity, but whether it has a notable effect to its hosts remains unclear. There exists the demand for further studies on its mechanism, such as its adaptation to human ACE2 receptors and the observable effects on animals. But overall, mutations such as D614G have not made it more deadly. Vaccine development relies on the tracking and study of mutations the virus undergoes during its spread. Its effectivity should encompass every mutation a virus develops; thus, coronavirus vaccines should work equally on all variants.

A preprint study by Shi et al. suggests that the mutation may not reduce the ability of vaccines in clinical trials, and vaccine developers should test therapeutic antibodies on the G614 virus before clinical development. Zhang and colleagues also state that vaccines would most likely work D614G viruses.

Most mutations in viruses are not disconcerting, as it is natural in a virus life cycle and rarely becomes a big deal. If ever, mutations may lead to weaker versions of the virus. Discoveries of mutations provides us information on the patterns of spread which may lead to the formulation of methodologies that could limit its spread. It is unlikely that these mutations would result to increased mortality.

As of October 11, 2020, the Philippines has 339,341 COVID-19 cases, with a bulk of these coming from the NCR. This number of cases brought us among the top 18 countries with most reported cases worldwide.

Anatomy of a Pro-student and Pro-people Administration

There is a positive correlation between effective leadership and quality of education. A strong imperative to improve quality drives a person to listen. However, this will only be possible if the listener adheres to the messages and acts upon them. The building blocks of a “future-proof” institution are its constituents being heard and given equal opportunities. Thus, the UPLB community deserves to have an administration that is both prostudent and pro-people.

Hope ensues as the UP Board of Regents declared Dr. Jose V. Camacho as the 10th chancellor of UPLB, ending Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez’s era—entailing 6 years leading a tone deaf, colonial, commercialized, fascist, and undemocratic administration on September 24, 2020, during the 1354th meeting of the UP Board of Regents.

BOR exclusively decides upon election, thus, several organizations resorted to different public actions to prompt the decision-makers to thoroughly examine the candidates and to consider the current situation and interests of different sectors of the university, highlighting the need for a “pro-student, pro-people” chancellor. Demands are essential for change. Different organizations including the UPLB Genetics Society, the UPLB Cell Biological Society, UPLB Computer Science Society (COSS), the UPLB Sigma Rho Fraternity, and the UP College of Economics and Management Student Council (CEMSC) expressed their ideal chancellor and how he should appeal to the constituents’ demands.

A pro-student, pro-people chancellor is empathetic

A compassionate chancellor is kind and true to his service. He must be able to struggle and stand up with the constituents, knowing that the fight happens every day. He listens, and acts instead of ignoring the questions and concerns of the students by not appearing along with audiences and turning down requests.

The UP Cell Biological Society (CELLS) addressed different academic issues in their public statement, and mentioned past issues faced under Sanchez’ administration, including the allowed red-tagging of the students, the administered Student Union (SU) curfew hour, and the rise of Maximum Residence Rule (MRR) & readmission once again. UPLB has the highest disapproved Maximum Resident Rule (MRR) and

by DREW KYLA BAYSA (Polyplex)

readmission appeals across the U.P. system, indicating the inefficiency and insensitivity of the previous administration.

The UPLB COSS released a similar statement, emphasizing the need of a pro-student, pro-faculty chancellor. Having a deep understanding of issues relating to the constituents’ academic freedom, such as the aforementioned adding the problem of the Student Academic Information System (SAIS), a part of the PHP 752 million-worth electronic UP (eUP) project that was first implemented under Sanchez’ administration. A hashtag #JunkSAIS still trends, years after its first run, denouncing the flawed system. SAIS still forces students to go through rigorous steps just to enlist academic units every semester. Instead of being a great channel, it hindered a lot of students from accessing genuine free education.

A pro-student, pro-people chancellor is active and vocal against pressing national issues

We deserve a leader who will fight along with us and not turn a blind eye. Power serves the good, not the opposite, thus must not yield to tyrants’ wishes.

Along with the others, the UPLB Sigma Rho Fraternity shared the same sentiments along with the others about what they sought in a chancellor. They also highlighted the need for a chancellor that stands against state oppression. People with power have a moral obligation to uphold what is fair. However, we, the student organizations, fight every day for the smothered rights of our members and other citizens of the nation. This includes the recent fight which involves defending press freedom, which is a crucial part of our democracy.

A pro-student, pro-people chancellor has a powerful vision for the institution’s future

We want a genuine leader, committed to translate his visions into actions and not someone who lies during oathtaking ceremony speeches and proving it through subsequent events that show otherwise.

The UPLB Genetics Society called for the chancellor to ensure that no student is left behind regardless of social class and receive equal opportunities of high-

quality education as we transition to a different set-up which is the remote and blended learning in adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also highlighted the importance of using his power to provide accessible platforms and methods to open more opportunities for financial assistance and scholarships, especially with times like this when four out five UPLB students are unfit for remote learning. The College of Economics and Management Student Council stressed on the importance of the chancellor to develop a “strong academic and administrative leadership” through the three vision papers of the chancellor candidates that they released.

Camacho was among the ‘hopefuls’ for the term 2020-2023. He had no specific plan of action with MRR or readmission issues and online resources for the students’ flexible learning. However, he promised the UPLB body of his vision of a “future-proofed” university. He emphasized that with this, the university constituents—students, faculty, staff, and researchers should be the center. He also promised that there will be an emphasis on the values of honor, compassion and excellence, even with the stresses and uncertainties that we are facing right now.

Many fought for this chance, for the hope of having a new administration that would finally cater to the university constituents’ needs and not having history repeat itself. With our new Chancellor, all we can do for now is anticipate that he will deliberately listen and heed the demands of the students, faculty and staff and keep UPLB as a zone of peace and academic freedom and a university that serves the masses. If he does not, then he must be ready to face the students united to assert what they deserve. Effective leadership makes a difference. It is what pushes a great administration to produce quality education.