Building (Viral) Phylogenetic Trees Using a Maximum Likelihood Approach

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses allow for inferring a hypothesis about the evolutionary history of a set of homologous molecular sequences. This hypothesis can be used as the basis for further molecular and computational studies. In this unit, we offer one specific method to construct a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree. We outline how to identify homologous sequences and construct a multiple sequence alignment. Following alignment, sequences are screened for potentially confounding factors such as recombination and genetic saturation. Finally, a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree can be constructed implementing a rigorously tested model of evolution. The workflow outlined in this unit provides sufficient background for inferring a robust phylogenetic tree starting from a particular gene of interest. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.