Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying evolutionarily significant polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences in human and/or non-human primates which may be associated with a physiological condition, such as enhanced resistance to AIDS infection. The invention also provides methods for identifying evolutionarily significant polynucleotides with mutations that are correlated with susceptibility to diseases, such as ICAM 1. The methods employ comparison of human and non-human primate sequences using statistical methods. Sequences thus identified may be useful as host therapeutic targets and/or in screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying evolutionarily significant polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences in human and/or non-human primates which may be associated with a physiological condition, such as enhanced resistance to HCV infection. The invention also provides methods for identifying evolutionarily significant polynucleotides with mutations that are correlated with susceptibility to diseases, such as BRCA1 exon 11. The methods employ comparison of human and non-human primate sequences using statistical methods. Sequences thus identified may be useful as host therapeutic targets and/or in screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences which may be associated with commercially or aesthetically relevant traits in domesticated plants or animals. The methods employ comparison of homologous genes from the domesticated organism and its ancestor to identify evolutionarily significant changes and evolutionarily neutral changes. Sequences thus identified may be useful in enhancing commercially or aesthetically desirable traits in domesticated organisms or their wild ancestors.