Geometry of phylogenetic group-based models

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Abstract: In this paper we complete the results of Sullivant and Sturmfels proving that many of the algebraic group-based models for Markov processes on trees are pseudo-toric. We also show in which cases these varieties are normal. This is done by the generalization of the discrete Fourier transform approach. In the next step, following Sullivant and Sturmfels, we describe a fast algorithm finding a polytope associated to these algebraic models. However in our case we apply the notions of sockets and networks extending the work of Buczynska and Wisniewski who introduced it for the binary case.


The main theorem of the paper shows that some algebraic varieties, called phylogenetic group-based models, arising from problems considered in algebraic statistics, are toric non-normal varieties. More precisely, let \(S\) be a finite set of states and let \(W\) be the complex vector space freely generated by the elements of \(S.\) Let \(G\) be a finite subgroup of permutations of the set \(S\) and let \(\widehat W\) be the maximal set of endomorphisms of \(W,\) invariant under the action of \(G.\) Let \(T\) be a tree with vertices \(V\) and edges \(E\). There is a copy of \(W\) attached to every vertex \(v\in V\) and a copy of \(\widehat W\) attached to every egdge \(e\in E.\) Such data describe a model of evolution in computational biology. Let \(L\) denote the set of leaves of the tree \(T\). There exists a rational map \[ \prod_{e\in E} \mathbb{P}(\widehat W_e) \dashrightarrow \mathbb{P}(\bigotimes_{l\in L} W_l), \] which image closure is called the \(G\)-model. It is known that for an abelian group \(G\) the \(G\)-model is a toric variety, possibly non-normal (cf. [\textit{S. N. Evans} and \textit{T. P. Speed}, Ann. Stat. 21, No. 1, 355--377 (1993; Zbl 0772.92012)] and [\textit{L. A. Székely, M. A. Steel} and \textit{P. L. Erdös}, Adv. Appl. Math. 14, No. 2, 200--216 (1993; Zbl 0794.05014)]). The main theorem of the paper under review shows that for any group \(G\) containing a normal abelian subgroup acting freely and transitively on the set \(S\) the \(G\)-model is non-normal toric variety. The proof uses the discrete Fourier transform and generalization of notions developed by \textit{W. Buczyńska} and \textit{J. A. Wiśniewski} [J. Eur. Math. Soc. (JEMS) 9, No. 3, 609--635 (2007; Zbl 1147.14027)]. The paper contains examples of groups \(G\) with normal \(G\)-models and non-normal ones. Moreover, based on work \textit{B. Sturmfels} and \textit{S. Sullivan} [Mich. Math. J. 57, 689--709 (2008; Zbl 1180.13040)], it is explained how to compute a polytope related to \(G\)-model for group \(G\) as in the main theorem.





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