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Mapping quantitative trait loci by genotyping haploid tissues.

Mapping strategies based on a half- or full-sib family design have been developed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for outcrossing species. However, these strategies are dependent on controlled crosses where marker-allelic frequency and linkage disequilibrium between the marker and QTL may limit their application. In this article, a maximum-likelihood method is developed to map QTL segregating in an open-pollinated progeny population using dominant markers derived from haploid tissues from single meiotic events. Results from the haploid-based mapping strategy are not influenced by the allelic frequencies of markers and their linkage disequilibria with QTL, because the probabilities of QTL genotypes conditional on marker genotypes of haploid tissues are independent of these population parameters. Parameter estimation and hypothesis testing are implemented via expectation/conditional maximization algorithm. Parameters estimated include the additive effect, the dominant effect, the population mean, the chromosomal location of the QTL in the interval, and the residual variance within the QTL genotypes, plus two population parameters, outcrossing rate and QTL-allelic frequency. Simulation experiments show that the accuracy and power of parameter estimates are affected by the magnitude of QTL effects, heritability levels of a trait, and sample sizes used. The application and limitation of the method are discussed.

Alleles↗

Mapping quantitative trait loci using linkage disequilibrium: marker- versus trait-based methods.

Two approaches for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) using linkage disequilibrium at the population level were investigated. In the trait-based (TB) approach, the frequencies of marker alleles (or genotypes) are compared in individuals selected from the two tails of the trait distribution. The TB approach uses phenotypic information only in the selection step. In the marker-based (MB) approach, the quantitative trait values for the marker genotypes in the selected individuals are compared. The MB approach uses both the difference in marker allele (or genotype) frequencies and the phenotypic values of each marker genotype in the selected samples. We quantify the power of each approach and show that the power of the MB approach is greater than or equal to that of the TB approach. The advantage of the former is expected to increase with increasing number of traits phenotyped. Our accurate predictions obviate the need for elaborate simulation studies.

Humans↗

Mapping quantitative trait loci in inbred backcross lines of Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium (LA1589).

Although tomato has been the subject of extensive quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping experiments, most of this work has been conducted on transient populations (e.g., F2 or backcross) and few homozygous, permanent mapping populations are available. To help remedy this situation, we have developed a set of inbred backcross lines (IBLs) from the interspecific cross between Lycopersicon esculentum cv. E6203 and L. pimpinellifolium (LA1589). A total of 170 BC2F1 plants were selfed for five generations to create a set of homozygous BC2F6 lines by single-seed descent. These lines were then genotyped for 127 marker loci covering the entire tomato genome. These IBLs were evaluated for 22 quantitative traits. In all, 71 significant QTLs were identified, 15% (11/71) of which mapped to the same chromosomal positions as QTLs identified in earlier studies using the same cross. For 48% (34/71) of the detected QTLs, the wild allele was associated with improved agronomic performance. A number of new QTLs were identified including several of significant agronomic importance for tomato production: fruit shape, firmness, fruit color, scar size, seed and flower number, leaf curliness, plant growth, fertility, and flowering time. To improve the utility of the IBL population, a subset of 100 lines giving the most uniform genome coverage and map resolution was selected using a randomized greedy algorithm as implemented in the software package MapPop (http://www.bio.unc.edu/faculty/vision/lab/ mappop/). The map, phenotypic data, and seeds for the IBL population are publicly available (http://soldb.cit.cornell.edu) and will provide tomato geneticists and breeders with a genetic resource for mapping, gene discovery, and breeding.

Genome, Plant↗

Recent advances in human quantitative-trait-locus mapping: comparison of methods for selected sibling pairs.

During the past few years, there has been a great deal of new work on methods for mapping quantitative-trait loci by use of sibling pairs and sibships. There are several new methods based on linear regression, as well as several more that are based on score statistics. In theory, most of the new methods should be relatively robust to violations of distributional assumptions and to selected sampling, but, in practice, there has been little evaluation of how the methods perform on selected samples. We survey most of the new regression-based statistics and score statistics and propose a few minor variations on the score statistics. We use simulation to evaluate the type I error and the power of all of the statistics, considering (a) population samples of sibling pairs and (b) sibling pairs ascertained on the basis of at least one sibling with a trait value in the top 10% of the distribution. Most of the statistics have correct type I error for selected samples. The statistics proposed by Xu et al. and by Sham and Purcell are generally the most powerful, along with one of our score statistic variants. Even among the methods that are most powerful for "nice" data, some are more robust than others to non-Gaussian trait models and/or misspecified trait parameters.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Comparing linkage disequilibrium-based methods for fine mapping quantitative trait loci.

Recently, a method for fine mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) using linkage disequilibrium was proposed to map QTL by modeling covariance between individuals, due to identical-by-descent (IBD) QTL alleles, on the basis of the similarity of their marker haplotypes under an assumed population history. In the work presented here, the advantage of using marker haplotype information for fine mapping QTL was studied by comparing the IBD-based method with 10 markers to regression on a single marker, a pair of markers, or a two-locus haplotype under alternative population histories. When 10 markers were genotyped, the IBD-based method estimated the position of the QTL more accurately than did single-marker regression in all populations. When 20 markers were genotyped for regression, as single-marker methods do not require knowledge of haplotypes, the mapping accuracy of regression in all populations was similar to or greater than that of the IBD-based method using 10 markers. Thus for populations similar to those simulated here, the IBD-based method is comparable to single-marker regression analysis for fine mapping QTL.

Alleles↗

Identification and characterization of aluminum tolerance loci in Arabidopsis (Landsberg erecta x Columbia) by quantitative trait locus mapping. A physiologically simple but genetically complex trait.

Aluminum (Al) toxicity, which is caused by the solubilization of Al3+ in acid soils resulting in inhibition of root growth and nutrient/water acquisition, is a serious limitation to crop production, because up to one-half of the world's potentially arable land is acidic. To date, however, no Al tolerance genes have yet been cloned. The physiological mechanisms of tolerance are somewhat better understood; the major documented mechanism involves the Al-activated release of Al-binding organic acids from the root tip, preventing uptake into the primary site of toxicity. In this study, a quantitative trait loci analysis of Al tolerance in Arabidopsis was conducted, which also correlated Al tolerance quantitative trait locus (QTL) with physiological mechanisms of tolerance. The analysis identified two major loci, which explain approximately 40% of the variance in Al tolerance observed among recombinant inbred lines derived from Landsberg erecta (sensitive) and Columbia (tolerant). We characterized the mechanism by which tolerance is achieved, and we found that the two QTL cosegregate with an Al-activated release of malate from Arabidopsis roots. Although only two of the QTL have been identified, malate release explains nearly all (95%) of the variation in Al tolerance in this population. Al tolerance in Landsberg erecta x Columbia is more complex genetically than physiologically, in that a number of genes underlie a single physiological mechanism involving root malate release. These findings have set the stage for the subsequent cloning of the genes responsible for the Al tolerance QTL, and a genomics-based cloning strategy and initial progress on this are also discussed.

Aluminum↗

Theoretical and empirical power of regression and maximum-likelihood methods to map quantitative trait loci in general pedigrees.

Both theoretical calculations and simulation studies have been used to compare and contrast the statistical power of methods for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in simple and complex pedigrees. A widely used approach in such studies is to derive or simulate the expected mean test statistic under the alternative hypothesis of a segregating QTL and to equate a larger mean test statistic with larger power. In the present study, we show that, even when the test statistic under the null hypothesis of no linkage follows a known asymptotic distribution (the standard being chi(2)), it cannot be assumed that the distribution under the alternative hypothesis is noncentral chi(2). Hence, mean test statistics cannot be used to indicate power differences, and a comparison between methods that are based on simulated average test statistics may lead to the wrong conclusion. We illustrate this important finding, through simulations and analytical derivations, for a recently proposed new regression method for the analysis of general pedigrees to map quantitative trait loci. We show that this regression method is not necessarily more powerful nor computationally more efficient than a maximum-likelihood variance-component approach. We advocate the use of empirical power to compare trait-mapping methods.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Mapping novel traits by array-assisted bulk segregant analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We demonstrate a new method, microarray-assisted bulk segregant analysis, for mapping traits in yeast by genotyping pooled segregants. We apply a probabilistic model to the progeny of a single cross and as little as two microarray hybridizations to reliably map an auxotrophic marker, a Mendelian trait, and a major-effect quantitative trait locus.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Mapping quantitative trait loci in tetraploid populations.

Knowledge of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in polyploids is almost void, albeit many exquisite strategies of QTL mapping have been proposed and extensive investigations have been carried out in diploid animals and plants. In this paper we develop a simple algorithm which uses an iteratively reweighted least square method to map QTLs in tetraploid populations. The method uses information from all markers in a linkage group to infer the probability distribution of QTL genotype under the assumption of random chromosome segregation. Unlike QTL mapping in diploid species, here we estimate and test the compound 'gametic effect', which consists of the composite 'genic effect' of alleles and higher-order gene interactions. The validity and efficiency of the proposed method are investigated through simulation studies. Results show that the method can successfully locate QTLs and separates different sources (e.g. additive and dominance) of variance components contributed by the QTLs.

Algorithms↗

Genetic mapping of complex traits.

Statistical genetic mapping methods are powerful tools for finding genes that contribute to complex human traits. Mapping methods combine knowledge of the biological mechanisms of inheritance and the randomness inherent in those mechanisms to locate, with increasing precision, trait genes on the human genome. We provide an overview of the two major classes of mapping methods, genetic linkage analysis and linkage disequilibrium analysis, and related concepts of genetic inheritance.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A method for computing identity by descent probabilities and quantitative trait loci mapping with dominant (AFLP) markers.

Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) are a widely used marker system: the technique is very cost-effective, easy and rapid, and reproducibly generates hundreds of markers. Unfortunately, AFLP alleles are typically scored as the presence or absence of a band and, thus, heterozygous and dominant homozygous genotypes cannot be distinguished. This results in a significant loss of information, especially as regards mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We present a Monte Carlo Markov Chain method that allows us to compute the identity by descent probabilities (IBD) in a general pedigree whose individuals have been typed for dominant markers. The method allows us to include the information provided by the fluorescent band intensities of the markers, the rationale being that homozygous individuals have on average higher band intensities than heterozygous individuals, as well as information from linked markers in each individual and its relatives. Once IBD probabilities are obtained, they can be combined into the QTL mapping strategy of choice. We illustrate the method with two simulated populations: an outbred population consisting of full sib families, and an F2 cross between inbred lines. Two marker spacings were considered, 5 or 20 cM, in the outbred population. There was almost no difference, for the practical purpose of QTL estimation, between AFLPs and biallelic codominant markers when the band density is taken into account, especially at the 5 cM spacing. The performance of AFLPs every 5 cM was also comparable to that of highly polymorphic markers (microsatellites) spaced every 20 cM. In economic terms, QTL mapping with a dense map of AFLPs is clearly better than microsatellite QTL mapping and little is lost in terms of accuracy of position. Nevertheless, at low marker densities, AFLPs or other biallelic markers result in very inaccurate estimates of QTL position.

Algorithms↗

Quantitative trait locus mapping for age-related cataract severity and synechia prevalence using four-way cross mice.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to map mouse quantitative trait loci (QTL) that influence the development of murine age-related cataract and synechia, by using a genetically heterogeneous mouse population bred by a four-way cross. METHODS: The test population consisted initially of 510 mice bred as the progeny of (BALB/cJ x C57BL/6J)F1 females and (C3H/HeJ x DBA/2J)F1 males. Each mouse was examined by slit lamp at 18 and 24 months of age and scored for degree of lens opacity on a 0 to 4+ scale, and the presence or absence of additional anterior chamber disease was noted. The presence of synechia was confirmed by histology. Each mouse was genotyped at 96 maternal and 92 paternal loci, and the significance of association between genotype and eye lesions was tested by permutation analysis. RESULTS: Significant QTL with effects on lens opacity at 24 months were detected on mouse chromosomes 4, 11, and 12. The effects were additive, and severe cataracts were seen in 80% of the mice with all three high-risk alleles, but in only 28% of the mice with all three low-risk alleles. The risk of synechia was associated with paternal chromosome 1 and on both the maternal and paternally inherited chromosome 4. Mice with all three high-risk alleles had a 68% risk of synechia, compared with a 0% incidence in mice with all three counteralleles. CONCLUSIONS: A four-way cross population of mice can be used to map polymorphic loci that influence cataract severity and synechia prevalence in late life. The results provide a first step toward identification of the individual genes involved and may help to guide the search for homologous human genes.

Aging↗

Mapping quantitative trait loci for hearing loss in Black Swiss mice.

In common inbred mouse strains, hearing loss is a highly prevalent quantitative trait, which is mainly controlled by the Cdh23(753A) variant and alleles at numerous other strain-specific loci. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of hearing loss in non-inbred strains. Mice of Swiss Webster, CF-1, NIH Swiss, ICR, and Black Swiss strains exhibited hearing profiles characteristic of progressive, sensorineural hearing impairment. In particular, CF-1, Black Swiss, and NIH Swiss mice showed early-onset hearing impairment, ICR and Swiss Webster mice expressed a delayed-onset hearing loss, and NMRI mice had normal hearing. By quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, two significant QTLs were identified underlying hearing loss in Black Swiss mice: one QTL mapped to chromosome (chr) 10 (named ahl5, LOD 8.9, peak association 35-42 cM) and a second QTL localized to chr 18 (ahl6, LOD 3.8, 38-44 cM). Ahl5 and ahl6 account for 61% and 32% of the variation in the backcross, respectively. Cadherin 23 (Cdh23) and protocadherin 15 (Pcdh15), mapping within the 95% confidence interval of ahl5, bear nucleotide polymorphisms in coding exons, but these appear to be unrelated to the hearing phenotype. Haplotype analyses across the Cdh23 locus demonstrated the phylogenetic relationship between Black Swiss and common inbred strains.

Age Factors↗

Prospects for admixture mapping of complex traits.

Admixture mapping extends to human populations the principles that underlie linkage analysis of an experimental cross. For detecting genes that contribute to ethnic variation in disease risk, admixture mapping has greater statistical power than family-linkage studies. In comparison with association studies, admixture mapping requires far fewer markers to search the genome and is less affected by allelic heterogeneity. Statistical-analysis programs for admixture mapping are now available, and a genomewide panel of markers for admixture mapping in populations formed by West African-European admixture has been assembled. Some of the remaining technical challenges include the ability to ensure that the statistical methods are robust and to develop marker panels for other admixed populations. Where admixed populations and panels of markers informative for ancestry are available, admixture mapping can be applied to localize genes that contribute to ethnic variation in any measurable trait.

Black People↗

Comparative map and trait viewer (CMTV): an integrated bioinformatic tool to construct consensus maps and compare QTL and functional genomics data across genomes and experiments.

In the past few decades, a wealth of genomic data has been produced in a wide variety of species using a diverse array of functional and molecular marker approaches. In order to unlock the full potential of the information contained in these independent experiments, researchers need efficient and intuitive means to identify common genomic regions and genes involved in the expression of target phenotypic traits across diverse conditions. To address this need, we have developed a Comparative Map and Trait Viewer (CMTV) tool that can be used to construct dynamic aggregations of a variety of types of genomic datasets. By algorithmically determining correspondences between sets of objects on multiple genomic maps, the CMTV can display syntenic regions across taxa, combine maps from separate experiments into a consensus map, or project data from different maps into a common coordinate framework using dynamic coordinate translations between source and target maps. We present a case study that illustrates the utility of the tool for managing large and varied datasets by integrating data collected by CIMMYT in maize drought tolerance research with data from public sources. This example will focus on one of the visualization features for Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) data, using likelihood ratio (LR) files produced by generic QTL analysis software and displaying the data in a unique visual manner across different combinations of traits, environments and crosses. Once a genomic region of interest has been identified, the CMTV can search and display additional QTLs meeting a particular threshold for that region, or other functional data such as sets of differentially expressed genes located in the region; it thus provides an easily used means for organizing and manipulating data sets that have been dynamically integrated under the focus of the researcher's specific hypothesis.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Further investigation on the regression method of mapping quantitative trait loci.

The simple regression method of mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) is further investigated in comparison with the mixture model maximum likelihood method under high heritabilities, dominant and missing markers. No significant difference between the two methods is detected in terms of errors of parameter estimation and statistical powers, with the exception that the estimation of residual variance provided by the regression method is confounded with part of the QTL variance. The test statistic profiles show some difference between the two methods, but the difference is only detectable at the micro level. An alternative method, referred to as iteratively reweighted least squares, is proposed, which can correct the deficiency of parameter confounding in the regression method yet retains the properties of simplicity and rapidity of the ordinary regression method. Like the existing regression method, the weighted least squares method can be useful in QTL mapping in conjunction with the permutation tests and construction of confidence intervals by bootstrapping.

Chromosome Mapping↗

On the generalized poisson regression mixture model for mapping quantitative trait loci with count data.

Statistical methods for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been extensively studied. While most existing methods assume normal distribution of the phenotype, the normality assumption could be easily violated when phenotypes are measured in counts. One natural choice to deal with count traits is to apply the classical Poisson regression model. However, conditional on covariates, the Poisson assumption of mean-variance equality may not be valid when data are potentially under- or overdispersed. In this article, we propose an interval-mapping approach for phenotypes measured in counts. We model the effects of QTL through a generalized Poisson regression model and develop efficient likelihood-based inference procedures. This approach, implemented with the EM algorithm, allows for a genomewide scan for the existence of QTL throughout the entire genome. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through extensive simulation studies along with comparisons with existing approaches such as the Poisson regression and the generalized estimating equation approach. An application to a rice tiller number data set is given. Our approach provides a standard procedure for mapping QTL involved in the genetic control of complex traits measured in counts.

Algorithms↗

A two-stage half-sib design for mapping quantitative trait loci in food animals.

Daughter and granddaughter half-sib designs for mapping quantitative trait loci were modified to increase experimental power. This new design includes a two-stage procedure, in contrast to conventional one-step half-sib designs. In stage 1, a few progeny of each sire are genotyped for marker loci. Based on the analyses of stage 1 data, some sires are chosen to continue genotyping more progeny for stage 2. When multiple chromosomes are under investigation, chromosomes and sires for stage 2 are selected based on the analysis of stage 1 data. Sire selection results in increased frequency of heterozygous genotypes of interest in stage 2 if the markers are linked to those genes. Chromosome selection can increase the proportion of chromosomes with segregating quantitative trait loci in stage 2 if not all of the chromosomes evaluated in stage 1 have segregating quantitative trait loci. Numerical results indicated that two-stage half-sib designs are generally more powerful than conventional designs when 1) the noncentrality parameter is moderate or larger, 2) larger quantitative trait loci are mapped using tightly linked markers in larger families, and 3) variation is large in numbers and sizes of segregating quantitative trait loci among the chromosomes evaluated in stage 1.

Animals↗