The effect of multi-nucleotide mutations on adaptive evolution.

Multi-nucleotide mutations (MNMs) describe instances in which a single mutation event simultaneously alters more than one nucleotide site. Typically, these sites are close to each other. Studies estimate that about one in every 50-350 mutations is a MNM. Although these occur much less frequently, they offer the advantage that substantially more genotypes can be reached through one mutation event. Our study seeks to understand when and to which extent MNM mutations affect adaptive evolution. To pursue this research question, we employ Wright-Fisher simulations and use random and real fitness landscapes.

Multi-nucleotide mutations (MNMs) describe instances in which a single mutation event simultaneously alters more than one nucleotide site. Typically, these sites are close to each other. Studies estimate that about one in every 50-350 mutations is a MNM. Although these occur much less frequently, they offer the advantage that substantially more genotypes can be reached through one mutation event. Our study seeks to understand when and to which extent MNM mutations affect adaptive evolution. To pursue this research question, we employ Wright-Fisher simulations and use random and real fitness landscapes. Building on this, we derive analytical results that illustrate how relevant MNM are as a function of the mutation supply.