Multilocus models in the infinite island model of population structure

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Mathematical biology
• Evolutionary genetics

Background:

• Statistical associations among genes are crucial in population genetics.
• Existing models, like kin selection and multilocus models, address these associations separately.
• Recent work suggests these models share fundamental similarities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unified method for constructing multilocus models in population genetics.
• To incorporate genetic associations within demes, including those between individuals.
• To integrate selection into these models within the infinite island framework.

Main Methods:

• Developed a method to construct multilocus models in the infinite island population structure.
• Enabled computation of recursions for allele frequencies and genetic associations.
• Incorporated selection into the model and explored quasi-equilibrium approximations.

Main Results:

• The method successfully computes allele frequency recursions and various genetic associations.
• Demonstrated the inclusion of associations between individuals within the same deme.
• Identified a previously overlooked term necessary for accurate quasi-equilibrium calculations of non-neutral associations.

Conclusions:

• The presented method offers a unified framework for studying genetic associations in structured populations.
• The findings highlight the importance of including specific terms in quasi-equilibrium approximations for non-neutral associations.
• This approach enhances the modeling of evolutionary dynamics in populations with complex structures.