Work

Scaling law characterizing the dynamics of the transition of HIV-1 to error catastrophe

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Increasing the mutation rate, μ of viruses above a threshold, μ(c) has been predicted to trigger a catastrophic loss of viral genetic information and is being explored as a novel intervention strategy. Here, we examine the dynamics of this transition using stochastic simulations mimicking within-host HIV-1 evolution. We find a scaling law governing the characteristic time of the transition: τ ≈ 0.6/(μ - μ(c)). The law is robust to variations in underlying evolutionary forces and presents guidelines for treatment of HIV-1 infection with mutagens. We estimate that many years of treatment would be required before HIV-1 can suffer an error catastrophe.

Source: Physical Biology

DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/12/5/054001

Authors: Vipul Gupta, Narendra M Dixit

Institution: Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Genetic Dynamics

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325