Seqviz: Alignment and Visualization of Dna Sequences On A Web-Based Platform
Genomic sequence analysis is crucial for understanding viral evolution and disease spread, but remains inaccessible to non-specialists without specialized software. This work presents a web-based platform for interactive exploration and visualization of genomic datasets, structured around four main analyses: (1) characterization of variants of concern through comparison of mutational signatures; (2) detection of mutation hotspots and conserved regions as therapeutic targets; (3) analysis of mutation co-occurrence revealing epistatic interactions; and (4) assessment of mutation density in key proteins. The system integrates a MAFFT-based variant alignment and identification backend implemented in Python/FastAPI with a responsive JavaScript frontend that supports linear visualizations, heat maps, and mutation bars. Evaluations with real and simulated FASTA data show suitability for viral genomic research, epidemiological surveillance, and generation of publication-quality figures. A modular client-server design ensures data privacy through client-side processing and broad accessibility through standard web browsers, without the need for software installation. This approach democratizes access to viral genomics for researchers and public health professionals, providing a scalable solution for genomic surveillance and viral evolution studies.
