Overview
Zoom Link: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/96007648359
Title: Inferring selection from time-series genetic data
Abstract:
Detecting and quantifying the strength of selection is a main objective in population genetics. Since selection acts over multiple generations, many approaches have been developed to detect and quantify selection using genetic data sampled at multiple points in time. Such time series genetic data is commonly analyzed using Hidden Markov Models, but in most cases, under the assumption of additive selection. However, many examples of genetic variation exhibiting non-additive mechanisms exist, making it crucial to develop methods that can characterize selection in more general scenarios.
In this talk, I present approaches for the inference of general diploid selection coefficients, where the heterozygote and homozygote fitness are parameterized independently. I furthermore introduce a framework to identify bespoke modes of diploid selection from given data, as well as a procedure for aggregating data across linked loci to increase power and robustness. Extensive simulation studies show that these methods accurately and efficiently estimates selection coefficients for different modes of diploid selection across a wide range of scenarios. Applying the approaches to ancient DNA samples from Great Britain in the last 4,450 years, shows evidence for selection in several genomic regions, including the well-characterized LCT locus.
Bio: Matthias Steinrücken is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago. Steinrücken develops computational and statistical methods for population genomics analysis to investigate the forces underlying evolution and genetic variation in populations. Specifically, Matthias Steinrücken works on inferring demographic histories, and studying adaptation using ancient DNA or time series genetic data.
Learn more about Matthias Steinrücken’s research
The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology Seminar Series aims to bring together a mix of mathematicians and biologists to foster discussion and collaboration between the two fields. The seminar series will take place on Fridays from 10am – 11am at the NITMB offices in the John Hancock Center in downtown Chicago. There will be both an in-person and virtual component.