Complexities of Viral Mutation Rates

Kayla M Peck; Adam S Lauring

doi:10.1128/JVI.01031-17

Complexities of Viral Mutation Rates

J Virol. 2018 Jun 29;92(14):e01031-17. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01031-17. Print 2018 Jul 15.

Authors

Kayla M Peck¹, Adam S Lauring^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
² Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA [email protected].
³ Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Abstract

Many viruses evolve rapidly. This is due, in part, to their high mutation rates. Mutation rate estimates for over 25 viruses are currently available. Here, we review the population genetics of virus mutation rates. We specifically cover the topics of mutation rate estimation, the forces that drive the evolution of mutation rates, and how the optimal mutation rate can be context-dependent.

Keywords: mutation rate evolution; polymerase; polymerase fidelity; viral mutation rates; virus evolution.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Evolution, Molecular*
Humans
Mutation Rate*
Mutation*
Virus Replication
Viruses / genetics*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding