Section: Insertions in Spike protein region of 2019-nCoV
We found four new insertions in the protein of 2019-nCoV- GTNGTKR (IS1), HKNNKS (IS2), GDSSSG (IS3) and QTNSPRRA (IS4) (Figure 2). To our surprise, these sequence insertions were not only absent in S protein of SARS but were also not observed in any other member of the Coronaviridae family (Supplementary figure). This is startling as it is quite unlikely for a virus to have acquired such unique insertions naturally in a short duration of time.
...there has been a clear change in the preference of host from previous coronaviruses to this virus
Section: Discussion
Our results highlight an astonishing relation between the gp120 and Gag protein of HIV, with 2019-nCoV spike glycoprotein. These proteins are critical for the viruses to identify and latch on to their host cells and for viral assembly. Since surface proteins are responsible for host tropism, changes in these proteins imply a change in host specificity of the virus. According to reports from China, there has been a gain of host specificity in case 2019-nCoV as the virus was originally known to infect animals and not humans but after the mutations, it has gained tropism to humans as well.
NOTE: "Tropism" in viruses and other pathogens refers to the way in which different viruses/pathogens have evolved to preferentially target specific host species, or specific cell types within those species.
Section: Conclusions
...Taken together, our findings suggest unconventional evolution of 2019-nCoV that warrants further investigation. Our work highlights novel evolutionary aspects of the 2019-nCoV and has implications on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this virus.
If these fools deliberately released a man-made virus into Wuhan, they should swing from ropes.