How should sequence variants be represented in a Sequence Listing XML?

Representation of sequence variants in a Sequence Listing XML is important for accurately describing genetic variations. According to MPEP 2413.01(g):

• Each primary sequence and its variants must be included in the sequence listing with their own sequence identifiers.
• Variants disclosed as a single sequence with enumerated alternative residues should be represented by a single sequence using the most restrictive ambiguity symbol.
• Variants disclosed only by reference to deletions, insertions, or substitutions in a primary sequence may be included in the sequence listing.

For variant annotation:

“Annotation of a sequence for a specific variant must include a feature key and qualifier, as indicated in the table above, and the feature location. The value for the ‘replace’ qualifier must be only a single alternative nucleotide or nucleotide sequence using only the symbols in set forth Table 1: List of Nucleotides Symbols, or empty.”

Proper representation of variants ensures that all relevant genetic information is accurately captured in the patent application.

To learn more:

• sequence variants
• Sequence Listing XML
• WIPO Standard ST.26
• patent application
• genetic variations