tcsBU: a tool to extend TCS network layout and visualization.

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Phylogeography
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Tessellation (TCS) is a widely used software for reconstructing haplotype networks.
• Current TCS versions lack the ability to integrate genetic data with geographic structures, a crucial step in phylogeographic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the functionality of TCS by enabling the integration of genetic and geographic data.
• To introduce a new web-based program, tcsBU, for enhanced phylogeographic analysis.

Main Methods:

• tcsBU implements haplotype classification into user-defined schemes, visualized with embedded pie-chart graphs.
• The software utilizes modern graphic libraries to accelerate network layout generation.
• Networks can be saved in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.

Main Results:

• tcsBU successfully integrates genetic and geographic data within haplotype networks.
• The software provides enhanced visualization of haplotype distribution.
• tcsBU offers improved computational speed for network reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• tcsBU significantly enhances phylogeographic analyses by combining haplotype networks with geographic data.
• The software provides a user-friendly and efficient platform for population genetic studies.
• tcsBU is accessible online with its source code freely available.