Molecular evolution of asexual species
The goal of our research is to understand evolution of asexual species in full molecular detail. We investigate kinetic equations by a combination of rigorous mathematical analysis, computer simulation and work on RNA-based model systems. Currently we focus on the consequences of error propagation in replicating populations of viruses and study the role of neutral variants. The results find immediate application in the design of new antiviral agents.
Keywords
Theoretical biology / in-silico evolution / RNA / RNA secondary structure / neutral networks