In silico analysis of ACE2 from different animal species provides new insights into SARS-CoV-2 species spillover: supplementary materials

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the phylogenetic relationships between the ACE2 of humans and
other animals and investigate the potential interaction between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2 of different
species. Materials & methods: The phylogenetic construction and molecular interactions were assessed
using computational models. Results & conclusion: Despite the evolutionary distance, 11 species had a
perfect fit for the interaction between their ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Chinchilla lanigera, Neovison
vison, Rhinolophus sinicus, Emballonura alecto, Saccopteryx bilineata, Numida meleagris). Among them,
the avian N. meleagris was reported for the first time in this study as a probable SARS-CoV-2 host due to
the strong molecular interactions. Therefore, predicting potential hosts for SARS-CoV-2 for understanding
the epidemiological cycle and proposal of surveillance strategies