scholarly journals Powerful decomposition of complex traits in a diploid model

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Hallin ◽  
Kaspar Märtens ◽  
Alexander I. Young ◽  
Martin Zackrisson ◽  
Francisco Salinas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Hallin ◽  
Kaspar Martens ◽  
Alexander Young ◽  
Martin Zackrisson ◽  
Francisco Salinas ◽  
...  

Explaining trait differences between individuals is a core but challenging aim of life sciences. Here, we introduce a powerful framework for complete decomposition of trait variation into its underlying genetic causes in diploid model organisms. We intercross two natural genomes over many sexual generations, sequence and systematically pair the recombinant gametes into a large array of diploid hybrids with fully assembled and phased genomes, termed Phased Outbred Lines (POLs). We demonstrate the capacity of the framework by partitioning fitness traits of 7310 yeast POLs across many environments, achieving near complete trait heritability (mean H2 = 91%) and precisely estimating additive (74%), dominance (8%), second (9%) and third (1.8%) order epistasis components. We found nonadditive quantitative trait loci (QTLs) to outnumber (3:1) but to be weaker than additive loci; dominant contributions to heterosis to outnumber overdominant (3:1); and pleiotropy to be the rule rather than the exception. The POL approach presented here offers the most complete decomposition of diploid traits to date and can be adapted to most model organisms.


Author(s):  
R. V. Kulyan

The Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops has the citrus germplasm collection, in total over 150 genotypes of various origins including 30 wild and semi-wild relatives. As a result of controlled hybridization in 17 crossings combinations of with the participation of relatives of citrus plants, new 769 hybrid offspring were obtained, which combine the traits of both the maternal and paternal genotypes. Analyzing the populations, promising combinations were highlighted: C. reticulata × Fortunella margarita (47.1%); C. x natsudaidai × 3252 (42.1%) and C. reticulata × C. reticulata ‘Cleopatra’ (40.9%) to create the gene pool of distant hybrids. From the mentioned combinations of crossings the greatest percent of seedlings which phenotypes tend to cultivated varieties was received. This hybrid material is a valuable source for isolating forms that are resistant to extreme environmental factors. According to phenotypic characteristics, hybrids were divided into three categories: I – Cultural, II – Semi-wild and III – Wild. Of the first category, the largest number 87 prospective forms were selected, and can be of interest for further breeding. As a result of the study of interspecific hybrid seedlings, 137 promising forms have been identified, which are carriers the complex traits such as dwarfism, thornless, early maturity and increased winter hardiness. From this set 17 genotypes were selected, which received the status of an elite forms, which successfully pass the primary test, and will be also useful in further breeding work for creating sources with a complex of positive traits and on breeding new varieties of citrus crops resistant to growing conditions.


Author(s):  
Bruce Walsh ◽  
Michael Lynch

Quantitative traits—be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene—usually show considerable variation within and among populations. Quantitative genetics, also referred to as the genetics of complex traits, is the study of such characters and is based on mathematical models of evolution in which many genes influence the trait and in which non-genetic factors may also be important. Evolution and Selection of Quantitative Traits presents a holistic treatment of the subject, showing the interplay between theory and data with extensive discussions on statistical issues relating to the estimation of the biologically relevant parameters for these models. Quantitative genetics is viewed as the bridge between complex mathematical models of trait evolution and real-world data, and the authors have clearly framed their treatment as such. This is the second volume in a planned trilogy that summarizes the modern field of quantitative genetics, informed by empirical observations from wide-ranging fields (agriculture, evolution, ecology, and human biology) as well as population genetics, statistical theory, mathematical modeling, genetics, and genomics. Whilst volume 1 (1998) dealt with the genetics of such traits, the main focus of volume 2 is on their evolution, with a special emphasis on detecting selection (ranging from the use of genomic and historical data through to ecological field data) and examining its consequences. This extensive work of reference is suitable for graduate level students as well as professional researchers (both empiricists and theoreticians) in the fields of evolutionary biology, genetics, and genomics. It will also be of particular relevance and use to plant and animal breeders, human geneticists, and statisticians.


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