Open quasispecies models: Stability, optimization, and distributed extension

Abstract

We suggest a natural approach that leads to a modification of classical quasispecies models and incorporates the possibility of population extinction in addition to growth. The resulting modified models are called open. Their essential properties, regarding in particular equilibrium behavior, are investigated both analytically and numerically. The hallmarks of the quasispecies dynamics, viz. the heterogeneous quasispecies distribution itself and the error threshold phenomenon, can be observed in our models, along with extinction. In order to demonstrate the flexibility of the introduced framework, we study the inverse problem of fitness allocation under the biologically motivated criterion of steady-state fitness maximization. Having in mind the complexity of numerical investigation of high-dimensional quasispecies problems and the fact that the actual number of genotypes or alleles involved in a studied process can be extremely large, we also build continuous-time distributed open quasispecies models. The obtained results may serve as an initial step to developing mathematical models that involve directed therapy against various pathogens.