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Quantitative trait loci for cell wall components in recombinant inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) II: leaf sheath tissue.

While maize silage is a significant feed component in animal production operations, little information is available on the genetic bases of fiber and lignin concentrations in maize, which are negatively correlated with digestibility. Fiber is composed largely of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which are the primary components of plant cell walls. Variability for these traits in maize germplasm has been reported, but the sources of the variation and the relationships between these traits in different tissues are not well understood. In this study, 191 recombinant inbred lines of B73 (low-intermediate levels of cell wall components, CWCs) x De811 (high levels of CWCs) were analyzed for quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with CWCs in the leaf sheath. Samples were harvested from plots at two locations in 1998 and one in 1999 and assayed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). QTL were detected on all ten chromosomes, most in tissue specific clusters in concordance with the high genotypic correlations for CWCs within the same tissue. Adjustment of NDF for its subfraction, ADF, revealed that most of the genetic variation in NDF was probably due to variation in ADF. The low to moderate genotypic correlations for the same CWC across leaf sheath and stalk tissues indicate that some genes for CWCs may only be expressed in certain tissues. Many of the QTL herein were detected in other populations, and some are linked to candidate genes for cell wall carbohydrate biosynthesis.

Breeding↗

A major quantitative trait locus for resistance to Potato leafroll virus is located in a resistance hotspot on potato chromosome XI and is tightly linked to N-gene-like markers.

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) causes one of the most widespread and important virus diseases in potato. Resistance to PLRV is controlled by genetic factors that limit plant infection by viruliferous aphids or virus multiplication and accumulation. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of resistance to virus accumulation revealed one major and two minor QTL. The major QTL, PLRV.1, mapped to potato chromosome XI in a resistance hotspot containing several genes for qualitative and quantitative resistance to viruses and other potato pathogens. This QTL explained between 50 and 60% of the phenotypic variance. The two minor QTL mapped to chromosomes V and VI. Genes with sequence similarity to the tobacco N gene for resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus were tightly linked to PLRV.1. The cDNA sequence of an N-like gene was used to develop the sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker N127(1164) that can assist in the selection of potatoes with resistance to PLRV.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Detection of quantitative trait loci affecting lameness and leg conformation traits in Danish Holstein cattle.

Lameness is an important factor for culling animals. Strong legs and feet improve herd life of dairy cows. Therefore, many countries include leg and feet conformation traits in their breeding programs, often as early predictors of longevity. However, few countries directly measure lameness related traits to include these in a breeding program. Lameness indices in 3 different lactations and 5 leg conformation traits (rear legs side view, rear legs rear view, hock quality, bone quality, and foot angle) were measured on granddaughters of 19 Danish Holstein grandsires with 33 to 105 sons. A genome scan was performed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) based on the 29 autosomes using microsatellite markers. Data were analyzed across and within families for QTL affecting lameness and leg conformation traits. A regression method and a variance component method were used for QTL detection. Two QTL each for lameness in the first [Bos taurus autosome (BTA); BTA5, BTA26] and second (BTA19, BTA22) lactations were detected. For the 5 different leg conformation traits, 7 chromosome-wise significant QTL were detected across families for rear legs side view, 5 for rear legs rear view, 4 for hock quality, 4 for bone quality, and 1 for foot angle. For those chromosomes where a QTL associated with 2 different traits was detected (BTA1, BTA11, BTA15, BTA26, and BTA27), a multitrait-1-QTL model and a multitrait-2-QTL model were performed to characterize these QTL as single QTL with pleiotropic effects or distinct QTL.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus mapping of genes that regulate phospholipid transfer activity in SM/J and NZB/BlNJ inbred mice.

OBJECTIVE: Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), an important protein in the transfer of phospholipids between lipoprotein particles and in the remodeling of HDL, is regulated at both the transcriptional and the protein level. We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify genomic loci regulating PLTP activity in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma PLTP activity was measured in 217 male F2 progeny from a SM/J x NZB/B1NJ intercross. Two QTL for plasma PLTP activity in mice fed chow (Pltpq1 and Pltpq2) were found on chromosomes 3 (34 cM, logarithm of odds [LOD] 3.5) and 10 (66 cM, LOD 4.1); two additional QTL in mice fed atherogenic diet (Pltpq3 and Pltpq4) were found on chromosomes 9 (56 cM, LOD 4.5) and 15 (34 cM, LOD 5.0); and one QTL (Pltiq1) for the inducibility of PLTP activity was found on chromosome 4 (70 cM, LOD 3.7). Several candidate genes for these 5 QTL were tested by sequence comparison and expression studies. CONCLUSIONS: We identified five significant loci involved in PLTP activity in the mouse and provided supporting evidence for the candidacy of Nr1h4 and Apof as the genes underlying Pltpq2.

Alleles↗

Two-locus linkage analysis applied to putative quantitative trait loci for lipoprotein(a) levels.

Plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) - Lp(a) - are associated with cardiovascular risk (Danesh et al., 2000) and were long believed to be influenced by the LPA locus on chromosome 6q27 only. However, a recent report of Broeckel et al. (2002) suggested the presence of a second quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1 influencing Lp(a) levels. Using a two-locus model, we found no evidence for an additional Lp(a) locus on chromosome 1 in a linkage study among 483 dizygotic twin pairs.

Adolescent↗

Quantitative trait loci affecting growth-related traits in wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) grown under different levels of nutrient supply.

The genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity of relative growth rate (RGR), its components and associated morphological traits was studied in relation to nutrient limitation. In all, 140 F(3) lines from a cross, made between two Hordeum spontaneum (wild barley) accessions sampled in Israel, were subjected to growth analysis under two nutrient levels. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for RGR and three of its components, leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area and leaf mass fraction (LMF). Indications for close linkage (potential pleiotropy) were found, for example, for LAR and LMF. An interesting case is on chromosome 6, at which QTLs for RGR and seed mass were detected in the same region. These QTLs had opposite additive effects, supporting earlier results that plants growing from lighter seeds had a higher RGR. Only two QTLs were significant under both nutrient conditions, suggesting large QTL x environment interactions for most traits. For 21 out of 26 QTLs, however, the additive genetic effect was of identical sign in both nutrient environments, but reached the significance threshold in only one of them. Nevertheless, some QTLs detected in one of the two environments had virtually no effect in the other, and QTLs for plasticity were detected for RGR, LAR and LMF, as well as for some morphological traits. QTLs with opposite effects under high and low nutrients were not found. Thus, at the genetic level, there was no evidence for a trade-off between faster growth at high versus low nutrient levels.

Analysis of Variance↗

Identification of EFHC2 as a quantitative trait locus for fear recognition in Turner syndrome.

One-third of women with Turner syndrome (45,X) have autism-like social and communication difficulties, despite normal verbal IQ. Deletion mapping of the X-chromosome implicated 5 Mb of Xp11.3-4 as critical for recognition of facial fear, a quantitative measure of social cognition. Variability in fear recognition accuracy in Turner syndrome suggested the existence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) revealed by X-monosomy. We aimed to identify the gene(s) influencing fear recognition by dense mapping of the 5 Mb region. Initial regression-based association mapping of fear recognition in 93 women with Turner syndrome across the critical region was performed, using genotype data at 242 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified three regions of interest, in which 52 additional SNPs were genotyped. The third region then contained four SNPs associated with fear recognition (0.0030 > P > 0.00046). We obtained an independent sample of 77 Turner syndrome females that we genotyped for 77 SNPs in the initial regions of interest. Region three showed association in the same direction, maximal at SNPs rs7055196 and rs7887763 (P = 0.022 each). Four SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD), including this pair, span 40 kb within a novel transcript, EF-hand domain containing 2 (EFHC2). In the combined Turner syndrome samples, the most strongly associated SNP (P = 0.00007) has frequency of 8.8% and an estimated effect size accounting for over 13% of the variance in fear recognition. EFHC2 shows genealogy and extended LD consistent with directional selection. This novel QTL may influence social cognition in the general population and in autism.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Quantitative trait loci affecting methamphetamine responses in BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains.

Individual differences in most behavioral and pharmacological responses to abused drugs are dependent on both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic influences on the complex phenotypes related to drug abuse have been difficult to study using classical genetic analyses. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is a method that has been used successfully to examine genetic contributions to some of these traits by correlating allelic variation in polymorphic genetic markers of known chromosomal location with variation in drug-response phenotypes. We evaluated several behavioral responses to multiple doses of methamphetamine (METH) in C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2J (D2), and 25 of their recombinant inbred (BXD RI) strains. Stereotyped chewing, horizontal home cage activity, and changes in body temperature after 0, 4, 8, or 16 mg/kg METH, as well as stereotyped climbing behavior after 16 mg/kg METH, were examined. Associations (p < 0.01) between METH sensitivity and allelic status at multiple microsatellite genetic markers were subsequently determined for each response. QTLs were provisionally identified for each phenotype, some unique to a particular behavior and others that appeared to influence multiple phenotypes. Candidate genes suggested by these analyses included several that mapped near genes relevant for the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate. The locations of QTLs provisionally identified by this analysis were compared with QTLs hypothesized in other studies to influence methamphetamine- and cocaine-related phenotypes. In several instances, QTLs appeared to overlap, which is consistent with idea that common neural substrates underlie some responses to psychostimulants.

Alleles↗

Chromosomal mapping of osteopenia-associated quantitative trait loci using closely related mouse strains.

Peak bone mineral density (BMD) is a highly heritable trait in humans and is currently the best predictor of skeletal fragility underlying osteoporosis. The SAMP6 mouse strain displays unusually low BMD at maturity, and age-dependent osteopenia associated with defective osteoblastogenesis. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing bone density, we constructed crosses between SAMP6 and either AKR/J or SAMP6, two related mouse strains of higher peak BMD. Due to common ancestry of these strains, intercross parents differed at only 39-40% of 227 highly-polymorphic genotyping markers, thus restricting our search to this informative portion of the genome and reducing the number of mice required for QTL significance. Using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), we measured spinal BMD in F2 cross progeny at 4 months of age, and selectively genotyped those in the highest and lowest quartiles for BMD. Based on linear regression of bone density on genotype, including Composite Interval Mapping to enhance mapping precision while adjusting for effects of distal markers, we identified multiple QTLs significantly affecting spinal BMD; these were mapped to regions of chromosomes 2 (two sites, one confirmed in both crosses), 7, 11, 13 and 16. One of these loci had been previously identified as a significant bone-density QTL, while 3 substantiate QTLs suggested by a low-power study of 24 recombinant-inbred mouse lines. Such recurrent appearance of QTLs, especially in crosses involving distantly-related strains, implies that polymorphism at these loci may be favored by evolution and might underlie variation in peak bone density among humans.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Quantitative trait Loci for glomerulosclerosis, kidney weight and body weight in the focal glomerulosclerosis mouse model.

In 183 male progeny derived from a backcross between the FGS/Kist strain, a new mouse model for focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) in humans, and the standard normal strain, C57BL/6J, we performed a genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the glomerulosclerosis index (GSI) based on histological observation as well as kidney and body weights. Two QTLs for GSI (Gsi1-2) located on chromosomes (Chrs) 8 and 10, a kidney weight QTL (Kdw1) on Chr 19, and a body weight QTL (Bdw1) on Chr 13 were detected at the genome-wide 5% or less level. The allele derived from FGS/Kist increased GSI at Gsi1, but decreased it at Gsi2. The mice homozygous for the FGS/Kist allele decreased body and kidney weights. The identified QTLs accounted for 5-8% of the phenotypic variance.

Animals↗

Effect of genetic cross on the detection of quantitative trait loci and a novel approach to mapping QTLs.

A genome-wide scan was conducted in two F(2) intercrosses, C57BL/6J (B6)xDBA/2J (D2) and BALB/cJ (C)xLP/J (LP), for three different phenotypes: basal locomotor activity, ethanol-induced locomotor activity, and haloperidol-induced catalepsy. For basal activity, significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs, LOD> or =4.3) were detected on chromosomes 9 and 19 for the CxLP intercross and chromosome 1 for the B6xD2 intercross. Significant QTLs for ethanol-induced activation were detected on chromosome 6 for the CxLP intercross, and on chromosomes 1 and 2 for the B6xD2 intercross. For haloperidol-induced catalepsy, significant QTLs were detected on chromosome 14 (two different QTLs) in the CxLP intercross, and chromosomes 1 and 9 in the B6xD2 intercross. These data illustrate the importance of the genetic cross for QTL detection. Finally, the data reported here, and elsewhere, are also used to demonstrate a novel approach to QTL detection and localization.

Animals↗

Mapping quantitative trait loci affecting circadian photosensitivity in retinally degenerate mice.

It is known that retinally degenerate C57BL/6J (rd/rd) mice have unattenuated circadian photosensitivity. However, the authors have previously found that CBA/J (rd/rd) mice that carry the same rd mutation have attenuated circadian photosensitivity compared to normal CBA/N (+/+) mice. In the present study, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using C57BL/6J (rd/rd) and CBA/J (rd/rd) mice was conducted in order to identify the genes affecting circadian photosensitivity of the rd mice. As a result, several putative QTLs onthree separate chromosomes (8, 12, 17) were detected, which indicates that circadian photosensitivity in rd mice is altered by multiple genes. Identification of these genes may provide new insights into the understanding of regulation of circadian photoentrainment and sleep-wake disorders.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus mapping in chickens by selective DNA pooling with dinucleotide microsatellite markers by using purified DNA and fresh or frozen red blood cells as applied to marker-assisted selection.

Many large, half-sib sire families are an integral component of chicken genetic improvement programs. These family structures include a sufficient number of individuals for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) at high statistical power. However, realizing this statistical power through individual or selective genotyping is yet too costly to be feasible under current genotyping methodologies. Genotyping costs can be greatly reduced through selective DNA pooling, involving densitometric estimates of marker allele frequencies in pooled DNA samples. When using dinucleotide microsatellite markers, however, such estimates are often confounded by overlapping "shadow" bands and can be confounded further by differential amplification of alleles. In the present study a shadow correction procedure provided accurate densitometric estimates of allele frequency for dinucleotide microsatellite markers in pools made from chicken purified DNA samples, fresh blood samples, and frozen-thawed blood samples. In a retrospective study, selective DNA pooling with thawed blood samples successfully identified two QTL previously shown by selective genotyping to affect resistance in chickens to Marek's disease. It is proposed that use of selective DNA pooling can provide relatively low-cost mapping and use in marker-assisted selection of QTL that affect production traits in chickens.

Alleles↗

Identification of quantitative trait loci for cold-tolerance of photosynthesis in maize (Zea mays L.).

The effects of low growth temperature (15 degrees C) on the photosynthetic apparatus of maize were investigated in a set of 233 recombinant inbred lines by means of chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange measurements and analysis of photosynthetic pigments. A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of five traits related to the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus revealed a total of eight genomic regions that were significantly involved in the expression of the target traits. Four of these QTLs, located on chromosomes 1 (around 146 cM), 2 (around 138 cM), 3 (around 70 cM), and 9 (around 62 cM), were identified across several traits and the phenotypic correlation observed among those traits confirmed at the genetic level. The two QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 9 were also expressed in leaves developed at near-optimal temperature (25 degrees C) whilst the two QTLs on chromosomes 2 and 3 were specific to leaves developed at sub-optimal temperature. A QTL analysis conducted on traits related to the pigment composition of the leaves developed at 15 degrees C detected the QTL on chromosome 3 around 70 cM in 7 of the 11 traits analysed. This QTL accounted for up to 28% of the phenotypic variance of the quantum yield of electron transport at PSII in the fourth leaf after about 3 weeks at a sub-optimal temperature. The results presented here suggest that key gene(s) involved in the development of functional chloroplasts of maize at low temperature should be located on chromosome 3, close to the centromere.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Functional mapping of quantitative trait loci that interact with the hg mutation to regulate growth trajectories in mice.

The high growth (hg) mutation increases body size in mice by 30-50%. Given the complexity of the genetic regulation of animal growth, it is likely that the effect of this major locus is mediated by other quantitative trait loci (QTL) with smaller effects within a web of gene interactions. In this article, we extend our functional mapping model to characterize modifier QTL that interact with the hg locus during ontogenetic growth. Our model is derived within the maximum-likelihood context, incorporated by mathematical aspects of growth laws and implemented with the EM algorithm. In an F2 population founded by a congenic high growth (HG) line and non-HG line, a highly additive effect due to the hg gene was detected on growth trajectories. Three QTL located on chromosomes 2 and X were identified to trigger significant additive and/or dominant effects on the process of growth. The most significant finding made from our model is that these QTL interact with the hg locus to affect the shapes of the growth process. Our model provides a powerful means for understanding the genetic architecture and regulation of growth rate and body size in mammals.

Age Factors↗

Identification of quantitative trait loci affecting sex determination in the Eastern treehole mosquito (Ochlerotatus triseriatus).

Laboratory colonies of the eastern treehole mosquito (Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say)) exhibit a consistent female-biased sex ratio. This is unusual among mosquito species, in which heritable sex ratio distortion is usually male biased and mediated by meiotic drive. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting sex were mapped in an F(1) intercross to better understand the genetics underlying this female bias. In P(1) and F(1) parents and in 146 F(2) individuals with a female-biased sex ratio (106 females:40 males), regions of seven cDNA loci were analyzed with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis to identify and orient linkage groups. Genotypes were also scored at 73 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-SSCP loci. In addition to the sex locus, at least four QTL affecting sex determination were detected with interval mapping on linkage groups I and II. Alleles at the sex locus cumulatively accounted for approximately 61-77% of the genetic variance in sex. Alleles at QTL adjacent to the sex locus and at a QTL on the opposite end of linkage group I increased the proportion of females, but alleles at a QTL on linkage group I and a second QTL on linkage group II increased the proportion of males. The female-biased sex ratio observed in laboratory colonies of O. triseriatus is most easily explained by the existence of multiple female biased distorter loci, as have been observed in other Diptera.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus analysis for chronic pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus in the WBN/Kob rat.

A causative gene mutation is still undefined in approximately half of patients with hereditary pancreatitis, and no genetic factor has been identified in most patients with sporadic chronic pancreatitis. To identify a pancreatitis-associated gene, we performed a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for the traits of chronic pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus in WBN/Kob rats. We identified two highly significant QTLs for chronic pancreatitis and/or hyperinsulinemia on chromosomes 7 and X. These QTLs were located on completely different chromosomal regions from those of causative genes that have been reported for human chronic pancreatitis: PRSS1, CFTR, and SPINK1. For these QTLs, prevalences of the WBN/Kob allele significantly increased in the rats with chronic pancreatitis. These findings indicate that chronic pancreatitis in WBN/Kob rats is controlled by multiple genes, and a genetic analysis in WBN/Kob rats might be useful for gene targeting for human chronic pancreatitis.

Animals↗

Comparison of sib pair-based approaches for identifying quantitative trait loci underlying asthma in the Busselton families.

The goal of this study is to determine the linkage relationship between IgE levels and the 269 microsatellite markers using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 Busselton data set. Analyses were carried out using both traditional and new Haseman-Elston methods, the maximum likelihood quantitative trait locus estimation (MLE QTL) method and the nonparametric (NP QTL) method. Our analyses confirmed some of the signals reported by Daniels et al. [Nature 383:247-50, 1996]. We also observed that several significant signals reported in the original report became insignificant (D6S76 and D11S96) and several new signals showed up after the data were reanalyzed using the new Haseman-Elston method, the MLE QTL method, and the NP QTL method. Based on the original and the current analyses, we recommend that follow-up studies of three regions including D7S2250, FCER1B, D11S901, and six markers on chromosome 16 be given higher priority.

Adult↗