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Nonparametric estimation of the effects of quantitative trait loci.

Interval mapping of quantitative trait loci from breeding experiments plays an important role in understanding the mechanisms of disease, both in humans and other organisms. Standard approaches to estimation involve parametric assumptions for the component distributions and may be sensitive to model misspecification. Some nonparametric tests have been studied. However, nonparametric estimation of the phenotypic distributions has not been considered in the genetics literature, even though such methods might provide essential nonparametric summaries for comparing different loci. We develop a sufficient condition for identifiability of the phenotypic distributions. Simple nonparametric estimators for the distributions are proposed for uncensored and right censored data. They have a closed form and their small and large sample properties are readily established. Their practical utility as numerical summaries which complement nonparametric tests is demonstrated on two recent genetics examples.

Animals↗

Identification and mapping of the QTL for aluminum tolerance introgressed from the new source, Oryza Rufipogon Griff., into indica rice (Oryza sativa L.).

This study was conducted to identify and map the quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling Al tolerance in rice using molecular markers. A population of 171 F(6) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross of Oryza sativa (IR64), the Al susceptible parent, and Oryza rufipogon, the Al tolerant parent, was evaluated for Al tolerance using a nutrient solution with and without 40 ppm of active Al(+3). A genetic map, consisting of 151 molecular markers covering 1,755 cM with an average distance of 11.6 cM between loci, was constructed. Nine QTLs were dentified including one for root length under non-stress conditions (CRL), three for root length under Al stress (SRL) and five for relative root length (RRL). O. rufipogon contributed favorable alleles for each of the five QTLs for RRL, which is a primary parameter for Al tolerance, and individually they explained 9.0-24.9% of the phenotypic variation. Epistatic analysis revealed that CRL was conditioned by an epistatic effect, whereas SRL and RRL were controlled by additive effects. Comparative genetic analysis showed that QTLs for RRL, which mapped on chromosomes 1 and 9, appear to be consistent among different rice populations. Interestingly, a major QTL for RRL, which explained 24.9% of the phenotypic variation, was found on chromosome 3 of rice, which is conserved across cereal species. These results indicate the possibilities to use marker-assisted selection and pyramiding QTLs for enhancing Al tolerance in rice. Positional cloning of such QTLs introgressed from O. rufipogon will provide a better understanding of the Al tolerance mechanism in rice and the evolutionary genetics of plant adaptation to acid-soil conditions across cereal species.

Alleles↗

Candidate gene markers associated with somatotropic axis and milk selection.

One of the obstacles to progress in dairy cattle selection is that milk production traits are only expressed after the first calving. However, the use of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) technology will improve the efficiency of dairy industry with a positive image for the consumers. QTL are part of the genome showing a preponderant action and explaining the major part of variation of the trait production. At the present time, the two major strategies developed to detect such QTL are the candidate gene approach and the positional genetics approach. The somatotropic axis contains the most promising candidates in this respect, as it strongly regulates milk production. Then, the identification of favorable QTL associated with the somatotropic axis that are significantly correlated with genetic merits for milk production could lead to more effective selection programs.

Animals↗

Characterization of 35 novel microsatellite DNA markers from the duck (Anas platyrhynchos) genome and cross-amplification in other birds.

In order to study duck microsatellites, we constructed a library enriched for (CA)n, (CAG)n, (GCC)n and (TTTC)n. A total of 35 pairs of primers from these microsatellites were developed and used to detect polymorphisms in 31 unrelated Peking ducks. Twenty-eight loci were polymorphic and seven loci were monomorphic. A total of 117 alleles were observed from these polymorphic microsatellite markers, which ranged from 2 to 14 with an average of 4.18 per locus. The frequencies of the 117 alleles ranged from 0.02 to 0.98. The highest heterozygosity (0.97) was observed at the CAUD019 microsatellite locus and the lowest heterozygosity (0.04) at the CAUD008 locus, and 11 loci had heterozygosities greater than 0.50 (46.43%). The polymorphism information content (PIC) of 28 loci ranged from 0.04 to 0.88 with an average of 0.42. All the above markers were used to screen the polymorphism in other bird species. Two markers produced specific monomorphic products with the chicken DNA. Fourteen markers generated specific fragments with the goose DNA: 5 were polymorphic and 9 were monomorphic. But no specific product was detected with the peacock DNA. Based on sequence comparisons of the flanking sequence and repeat, we conclude that 2 chicken loci and 14 goose loci were true homologous loci of the duck loci. The microsatellite markers identified and characterized in the present study will contribute to the genetic map, quantitative traits mapping, and phylogenetic analysis in the duck and goose.

Animals↗

Analysis and interpretation of data from real-time PCR trace detection methods using quantitation of GM soya as a model system.

Recent years have seen an increased interest in DNA trace detection methods involved in many areas of bioanalytical research, such as quantitation of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in food products. There is little in the way of standardisation of data handling from these methods, and the data generated needs to be analysed appropriately if the results are to be interpreted correctly. This paper describes particular aspects of real-time PCR trace detection methods in order to increase the understanding of data generated using this bioanalytical technique. Using the specific example of GM soya detection and quantitation, it focuses on the production of calibration curves based on the mean and individual data values, the interpretation of correlation coefficients, regression techniques, and discusses suitable data analysis arising from simple and more complex experimental designs following transformation. By using the approaches outlined in this paper, more accurate analysis of data from real-time PCR and GM trace detection methods could be achieved.

Calibration↗

The association of flowering time quantitative trait loci with duplicated regions and candidate loci in Brassica oleracea.

A population of 150 doubled haploid lines of rapid cycling Brassica oleracea, derived from an F1 from a var. alboglabra x var. italica cross, was scored for flowering time in two trials. Using information on 82 mapped molecular markers, spread evenly across the nine linkage groups, QTL were identified at six locations; one each on linkage groups O2 and O3 and two each on linkage groups O5 and O9. In total, these QTL explained 58 and 93% of the genetical variation in the two trials. Three of these QTL, on linkage groups O2, O3, and O9, were situated in regions showing considerable homology both with each other and with chromosome regions of B. nigra that have been shown to affect flowering time. These same regions are all homologous to a single tract of Arabidopsis chromosome 5, which contains a number of the flowering-related genes, one or more of which may be candidates for the QTL found in Brassica.

Brassica↗

Variance component models for X-linked QTLs.

This paper discusses the theory and implementation of a model for mapping X-linked quantitative trait loci (QTL). As a result of X inactivation, a female's body is subdivided into a number of patches. In each patch one of her two X chromosomes is randomly switched off. This smooths the allelic contributions in a heterozygote and implies that females should show less trait variation than males for an X-linked trait. The latest version of the genetic analysis program Mendel incorporates a simple variance component version of this model. An application to head circumference in autistic children illustrates Mendel in action.

Analysis of Variance↗

Methodology of mapping quantitative trait loci for ordinal traits of disease resistance in livestock.

Methodology of QTL mapping for ordinal traits of disease resistance based on the framework of a generalized linear model (GLM) was presented. The location and effect parameters of putative QTL were estimated using maximum likelihood method. The efficiency and power were compared with the linear model (LM). The factors influencing QTL detection efficiency (e.g. QTL effect and heritability) were simulated in our study too. Daughter design with multiple families was applied,and the number of segregating population was 500. Results showed that the threshold model has a certain advantage in location estimation and power of QTL mapping, and has efficiency and accuracy for ordinal traits. In addition,the accuracy of QTL mapping depends on the effect of putative quantitative trait loci and the value of heritability. With the increase of QTL effect and heritability, the accuracy of QTL mapping improves slightly.

Animals↗

Is there a g factor for fitness?

Biological fitness is a directly observable quantity with well-known causal components, in contrast to the latent 'g' factor of psychometrics. The study of the causes of variation in fitness should therefore be simpler than the study of variation in mental abilities, but a paucity of data has kept the nature of genetic variation in fitness obscure. We can define an 'f' factor as variation creating positive correlations among components of fitness. There is little doubt that such f factor exist. Perturbations of populations such as mutation or environmental change create such patterns of positive correlation. However, natural selection will tend to minimize variation in any f factor, so it is much less clear whether f causes quantitatively substantial genetic variation within populations. Experimental data are consistent with variation in an f factor within some natural populations. As predicted, f is less important in populations where natural selection has had more opportunity to reshape the correlation matrix. Although one can incorporate variation in g into a study of variation in human fitness, the pace of change in our environment suggests that the results would neither reflect the conditions under which g evolved nor predict future evolutionary changes in g.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗

Development of a genome-wide anchored microsatellite map for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

A total of 150 microsatellite markers developed for common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were tested for parental polymorphism and used to determine the positions of 100 genetic loci on an integrated genetic map of the species. The value of these single-copy markers was evident in their ability to link two existing RFLP-based genetic maps with a base map developed for the Mesoamerican x Andean population, DOR364 x G19833. Two types of microsatellites were mapped, based respectively on gene-coding and anonymous genomic-sequences. Gene-based microsatellites proved to be less polymorphic (46.3%) than anonymous genomic microsatellites (64.3%) between the parents of two inter-genepool crosses. The majority of the microsatellites produced single bands and detected single loci, however four of the gene-based and three of the genomic microsatellites produced consistent double or multiple banding patterns and detected more than one locus. Microsatellite loci were found on each of the 11 chromosomes of common bean, the number per chromosome ranging from 5 to 17 with an average of ten microsatellites each. Total map length for the base map was 1,720 cM and the average chromosome length was 156.4 cM, with an average distance between microsatellite loci of 19.5 cM. The development of new microsatellites from sequences in the Genbank database and the implication of these results for genetic mapping, quantitative trait locus analysis and marker-assisted selection in common bean are described.

Base Sequence↗

Selective turnover and shedding of H-2K and H-2D antigens is controlled by the major histocompatibility complex. Implications for H-2-restricted recognition.

Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed cell surface radioiodination and incorporation of [3H]-leucine were employed to radiolabel H-2K and H-2D antigens of murine spleen cells. The fate of H-2 antigens was monitored by in vitro culture of labeled cells and isolation of labeled antigens from detergent lysates of the cells and culture supernates obtained at different times during culture. H-2Kk antigens were found to be rapidly turned over and shed by CBA/J cells, whereas the turnover of H-2Dk antigens was extremely slow. Analysis of the membrane residence times of surface-labeled H-2K and H-2D antigens on spleen cells from various H-2-congenic and -recombinant strains demonstrated variations in the shedding rates of H-2K and H-2D antigens, which were controlled by genes mapping in the major histocompatibility complex. These variations show a striking correlation with published, genetically controlled quantitative variations in the cytotoxic response of T lymphocytes to chemically modified or virus-infected syngeneic cells.

Animals↗

Quantitative trait locus detection using combined linkage/disequilibrium analysis.

We describe an extension of the variance component linkage method that augments identity-by-descent information from relatives with identity-by-state information from unrelated individuals, exploiting disequilibrium to facilitate fine mapping of quantitative trait loci. An advantage of the combined linkage/disequilibrium test is that it detects association only in the presence of linkage and is not biased by population stratification.

Alcoholism↗

Advanced backcross QTL analysis for the identification of quantitative trait loci alleles from wild relatives of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.).

Advanced backcross QTL (AB-QTL) analysis was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield and yield components in a BC(2)F(2) population derived from a cross between the German winter wheat variety 'Prinz' and the synthetic wheat line W-7984 developed by CIMMYT. Two hundred and ten microsatellite markers were employed to genotype 72 pre-selected BC(2)F(2) plants and phenotypic data were collected for five agronomic traits from corresponding BC(2)F(3) families that were grown at four locations in Germany. Using single-marker regression and interval mapping, a total of 40 putative QTLs derived from W-7984 were detected, of which 11 were for yield, 16 for yield components, eight for ear emergence time and five for plant height. For 24 (60.0%) of them, alleles from the synthetic wheat W-7984 were associated with a positive effect on agronomic traits, despite the fact that synthetic wheat was overall inferior with respect to agronomic appearance and performance. The present study indicated that favorable QTL alleles could be transferred from wild relatives of wheat into an elite wheat variety for improvement of quantitative trait loci like yield by the advanced backcross QTL strategy and molecular breeding. To our knowledge, the results presented here were the first report on AB-QTL analysis in wheat.

Alleles↗

Revisited gene regulation in bacteriophage lambda.

The contribution of bacteriophage lambda to gene control research is far from over. A revised model of the lambda genetic switch includes extra cooperativity through octamerization of the cI repressor protein, mediated by long-range DNA looping. Structural analysis reveals remarkably subtle transcriptional activation by cI. The action of cI, activation by cII, and aspects of antitermination by N and Q all confirm the utility and versatility of simple, weak adhesive interactions mediated by nucleic acid tethers. New genetic and quantitative analysis of the lambda gene network is challenging cherished ideas about how complex behaviours emerge from this regulatory system.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Contribution of Distal-less to quantitative variation in butterfly eyespots.

The colour patterns decorating butterfly wings provide ideal material to study the reciprocal interactions between evolution and development. They are visually compelling products of selection, often with a clear adaptive value, and are amenable to a detailed developmental characterization. Research on wing-pattern evolution and development has focused on the eyespots of the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. There is quantitative variation for several features of eyespot morphology but the actual genes contributing to such variation are unknown. On the other hand, studies of gene expression patterns in wing primordia have implicated different developmental pathways in eyespot formation. To link these two sets of information we need to identify which genes within the implicated pathways contribute to the quantitative variation accessible to natural selection. Here we begin to bridge this gap by demonstrating linkage between DNA polymorphisms in the candidate gene Distal-less (Dll) and eyespot size in B. anynana.

Animals↗

Life-History Consequences of Divergent Selection on Egg Size in Drosophila melanogaster.

Life histories are generally assumed to evolve via antagonistic pleiotropy (negative genetic correlations) among traits, and trade-offs between life-history traits are typically studied using either phenotypic manipulations or selection experiments. We investigated the trade-off between egg size and fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster by examining both the phenotypic and genetic relationships between these traits after artificial selection for large and small eggs, relative to female body size. Egg size responded strongly to selection in both directions, increasing in the large-egg selected lines and decreasing in the small-egg selected lines. Phenotypic correlations between egg size and fecundity in the large-egg selected lines were negative, but no relationship between these traits occurred in either the control or small-egg selected lines. There was no negative genetic correlation between egg size and fecundity. Total reproductive allocation decreased in the small-egg selected lines but did not increase in the large-egg lines. Our results have three implications. First, our selection procedure may have forced females selected for large eggs into a physiological trade-off not reflected in a negative genetic correlation between these traits. Second, the lack of a negative genetic correlation between egg size and number suggests that the phenotypic trade-off frequently observed between egg size and number in other organisms may not evolve over the short term via a direct genetic trade-off whereby increases in egg size are automatically accompanied by decreased fecundity. Finally, total reproductive allocation may not evolve independently of egg size as commonly assumed.

Drosophila melanogaster↗

Physical map of the wheat high-grain protein content gene Gpc-B1 and development of a high-throughput molecular marker.

Grain protein content (GPC) is important for human nutrition and has a strong influence on pasta and bread quality. A quantitative trait locus, derived from a Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides accession (DIC), with an average increase in GPC of 14 g kg(-1) was mapped on chromosome 6BS. Using the wheat-rice colinearity, a high-density map of the wheat region was developed and the quantitative trait locus was mapped as a simple Mendelian locus designated Gpc-B1. A physical map of approx. 250 kb of the Gpc-B1 region was developed using a tetraploid wheat bacterial artificial chromosome library. The constructed physical map included the two Gpc-B1 flanking markers and one potential candidate gene from the colinear rice region completely linked to Gpc-B1. The relationship between physical and genetic distances and the feasibility of isolating genes by positional cloning in wheat are discussed. A high-throughput codominant marker, Xuhw89, was developed. A 4-bp deletion present in the DIC allele was absent in a collection of 117 cultivated tetraploid and hexaploid wheat germplasm, suggesting that this marker will be useful to incorporate the high GPC allele from the DIC accession studied here into commercial wheat varieties.

Chromosomes, Plant↗

Extreme selection strategies in gene mapping studies of oligogenic quantitative traits do not always increase power.

It is well known that obtaining adequate statistical power to detect linkage to or association with genes for complex quantitative traits can be very difficult. In response, investigators have developed a number of power-enhancing strategies that consider restraints such as genotyping (and/or phenotyping) costs. In the context of both association and sib pair linkage studies of quantitative traits, one of the most widely discussed techniques is the selective sampling of phenotypically extreme individuals. Several papers have demonstrated that such extreme sampling can markedly increase power (under certain circumstances). However, the parenthetical phrase in the previous sentence has generally not been made explicit and it appears to be implied that the more phenotypically extreme the individuals, the more power one has. In this paper, we show by simulation that this is not true under all circumstances. In particular, we show that under oligogenic models, where some biallelic quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have markedly asymmetric allele frequencies and large mean displacement among genotypes, and others have less asymmetric allele frequencies and smaller mean displacement among genotypes, power to detect linkage to or association with the latter QTL can actually decrease by sampling more extreme sib pairs. This suggests that more extreme sampling is not always better. The 'optimal' sampling scheme may depend on both what one suspects the underlying genetic architecture to be and which of the oligogenic QTL one has greatest interest in detecting.

Chromosome Mapping↗