The fixation probability of two competing beneficial mutations

Suppose that a beneficial mutation is undergoing a selective sweep when another beneficial mutation arises at a linked locus. We study the fixation probability of the double mutant, i.e., one (produced by recombination) that carries both mutations. Previous analysis works well for the case where the earlier beneficial mutation confers a greater selective advantage than the later mutation, but not so well in the opposite case. We present an approach to approximating the fixation probability in the case where the later mutation confers a greater selective advantage. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.