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Experimental evolution of viruses: Microviridae as a model system.

ABSTRACT: phiX174 was developed as a model system for experimental studies of evolution because of its small genome size and ease of cultivation. It has been used extensively to address statistical questions about the dynamics of adaptive evolution. Molecular changes seen during experimental evolution of phiX174 under a variety of conditions were compiled from 10 experiments comprising 58 lineages, where whole genomes were sequenced. A total of 667 substitutions was seen. Parallel evolution was rampant, with over 50 per cent of substitutions occurring at sites with three or more events. Comparisons of experimentally evolved sites to variation seen among wild phage suggest that at least some of the adaptive mechanisms seen in the laboratory are relevant to adaptation in nature. Elucidation of these mechanisms is aided by the availability of capsid and pro-capsid structures for phiX174 and builds on years of genetic studies of the phage life history.

SUBMITTER: Wichman HA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2935103 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Experimental evolution of viruses: Microviridae as a model system.

Wichman Holly A HA Brown Celeste J CJ

Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences 20100801 1552

phiX174 was developed as a model system for experimental studies of evolution because of its small genome size and ease of cultivation. It has been used extensively to address statistical questions about the dynamics of adaptive evolution. Molecular changes seen during experimental evolution of phiX174 under a variety of conditions were compiled from 10 experiments comprising 58 lineages, where whole genomes were sequenced. A total of 667 substitutions was seen. Parallel evolution was rampant, w ...[more]

PMID: 20643739

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Experimental evolution of viruses: Microviridae as a model system.

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Experimental evolution of viruses: Microviridae as a model system.

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