Experimental Evolution and Population Genetics of RNA Viruses

Abstract

Viral studies have contributed substantially to the field of experimental evolution during the last two decades. The rapid evolution of RNA viruses makes them especially suitable for investigating real-time evolution, while their small genomes facilitate the analysis of the genetic basis of evolutionary change. We review recent advances in RNA virus experimental evolution, focusing on genetic properties that differentiate them from DNA-based organisms, such as their high mutation rates, small genome sizes, low genetic robustness, and the predominance of antagonistic epistasis. We argue that these properties can explain many aspects of RNA virus evolution, including rapid evolution, marked fitness tradeoffs, frequent sequence convergences, strong deleterious effects of genetic drift, or high sensitivity to mutation accumulation.