Population genetic modeling of viruses

Raghwani, J., Pybus, O. G. and Illingworth, C. J.R. (2016) Population genetic modeling of viruses. In: Weaver, S. C., Denison, M., Roossinck, M. and Vignuzzi, M. (eds.) Virus Evolution: Current Research and Future Directions. Caister Academic Press: Wymondham, pp. 293-327. ISBN 9781910190234

Abstract

Population genetic models provide a powerful approach to the study of the evolutionary dynamics of viruses. The application of population genetic approaches to viruses has grown in recent years and has been facilitated by advances in sequencing technologies that make it feasible to obtain multiple 'genetic' snapshots of evolving viral populations through time. Populations of viruses are often shaped by a combination of high mutation rates, strong selection, large population sizes, and recurrent bottlenecks, and thus inhabit a different region of population genetic "parameter space" to cellular organisms. In this chapter, we discuss how traditional and novel population genetic models have provided insights into virus evolutionary processes and the means by which pathogenic viruses may be combatted. In particular, we illustrate how population genetics can be used to understand adaptive evolution in viruses and review recent work on whether viral evolution can be predicted.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Illingworth, Dr Chris
• Authors: Raghwani, J., Pybus, O. G., and Illingworth, C. J.R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Publisher: Caister Academic Press
• ISBN: 9781910190234