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Published on: October 27, 2019
Phylogenomics and molecular evolution of polyomaviruses
Keith A Crandall1, Marcos Pérez-Losada, Ryan G Christensen
1Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|April 22, 2006
Summary
This study reconstructs evolutionary relationships using phylogenetic and network methods for polyomaviruses. The analysis reveals close evolutionary links between BK virus, JC virus, and SV40, distinct from other polyomaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Bioinformatics
- Virology
Background:
- Phylogenetic inference is crucial for understanding viral evolution and relationships.
- Standard and network approaches offer complementary methods for sequence analysis.
- Polyomaviruses provide a relevant model system for evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of phylogenetic and network approaches for reconstructing evolutionary relationships.
- To demonstrate these methods using a dataset of 33 whole polyomavirus genomes.
- To elucidate the evolutionary history and relationships among polyomaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Sequence alignment and selection of appropriate models of evolution.
- Phylogenetic inference using Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches.
- Application of network methods for closely related sequences, exemplified by SV40 population samples.
Main Results:
- A robust phylogeny of 33 polyomaviruses was estimated.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship among BK virus, JC virus, and SV40.
- Network analysis demonstrated utility for closely related viral sequences.
Conclusions:
- Standard and network approaches are effective for studying viral evolution.
- The evolutionary history of polyomaviruses shows distinct groupings.
- Accurate phylogenetic reconstruction is vital for understanding viral diversity and origins.
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