Read on Twitter
I am not a virologist, or for that matter from a genetic background.. But this is not a very great thread by Andersen on the FCS
https://twitter.com/K_G_Andersen/status/1391507230848032772
https://twitter.com/K_G_Andersen/status/1391507230848032772
Citing FCS and PRRA sequences across feline CoVs (which are alpha CoVs) would not help account for the anomalous presence of the FCS in a sarbecovirus..
One of Andersen's major arguments is regarding how optimal the FCS is, similar to his argument on the RBD in the Proximal Origins paper.. See below: https://twitter.com/sanewman1/status/1391623060126670849
Andersen's other major argument was on the CGG codon.. For that, see the below thread by @ydeigin https://twitter.com/ydeigin/status/1391551266631847945
And see the below tweet by @R_H_Ebright https://twitter.com/R_H_Ebright/status/1391540544359305217
Regarding how the FCS evolved, Andersen talks about mutation, template switching, recombination, etc.. This paper argues FCS insertion in lab is not too far-fetched..
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/13/1/109/htm
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/13/1/109/htm
Constructive criticism welcome.. Hand waving/ad hominem are not..
Additionally, pls see this thread by @Rossana38510044 https://twitter.com/Rossana38510044/status/1391517682370064387
