The impact of background selection in mutation-selection-drift balance models of complex trait evolution.

ABSTRACT: Over the past three decades, theoretical population genetic models and empirical analyses have elaborated on how the elimination of deleterious variants reduces variation at linked neutral sites. This process is known as background selection. However, the impact of background selection has been studied almost exclusively without reference to its effect on phenotypic variation. Here, we use population genetic theory and simulation to investigate the consequences of background selection for linked variation impacting complex traits. We find the impact of background selection on a complex trait depends on the type of selection acting on the trait, the effect size distribution, and the background selection intensity. For instance, background selection impacts a much broader range of effect siz

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12154738 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature