Outcrossing retains structural variant mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans

This study examines how outcrossing impacts the retention and purging of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variants (SVs) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Combining mathematical modeling, population simulations, and experimental evolution, we investigated genomic changes in strains exposed to mutagens (ethyl methanesulfonate and formaldehyde) over five generations. Fitness assessments and whole-genome sequencing revealed that outcrossing populations retain SVs, hindering SNPs purging as well, offering insights into the interplay between mating systems, mutational dynamics, and genome evolution.