Biek, R. , Pybus, O. G., Lloyd-Smith, J. O. and Didelot, X. (2015) Measurably evolving pathogens in the genomic era. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 30(6), pp. 306-313. (doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2015.03.009) (PMID:25887947) (PMCID:PMC4457702)
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Abstract
Current sequencing technologies have created unprecedented opportunities for studying microbial populations. For pathogens with comparatively low per-site mutation rates, such as DNA viruses and bacteria, whole-genome sequencing can reveal the accumulation of novel genetic variation between population samples taken at different times. The concept of ‘measurably evolving populations’ and related analytical approaches have provided powerful insights for fast-evolving RNA viruses, but their application to other pathogens is still in its infancy. We argue that previous distinctions between slow- and fast-evolving pathogens become blurred once evolution is assessed at a genome-wide scale, and we highlight important analytical challenges to be overcome to infer pathogen population dynamics from genomic data.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Biek, Professor Roman |
| Authors: | Biek, R., Pybus, O. G., Lloyd-Smith, J. O., and Didelot, X. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Trends in Ecology and Evolution |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0169-5347 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1872-8383 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2015 Elsevier, Ltd. |
| First Published: | First published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution 30(6):306-313 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. |
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