Open AccessGenetic and Nongenetic Bases for the L-Shaped Distribution of Quantitative Trait Loci Effects
Author(s) -
Bruno Bost,
Dominique de Vienne,
Laurence Moreau,
Christine Dillmann
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.792
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1943-2631
pISSN - 0016-6731
DOI - 10.1093/genetics/157.4.1773
Subject(s) - quantitative trait locus , heritability , linkage disequilibrium , biology , genetics , population , trait , linkage (software) , inclusive composite interval mapping , evolutionary biology , gene , gene mapping , allele , haplotype , chromosome , demography , sociology , computer science , programming language
The L-shaped distribution of estimated QTL effects (R(2)) has long been reported. We recently showed that a metabolic mechanism could account for this phenomenon. But other nonexclusive genetic or nongenetic causes may contribute to generate such a distribution. Using analysis and simulations of an additive genetic model, we show that linkage disequilibrium between QTL, low heritability, and small population size may also be involved, regardless of the gene effect distribution. In addition, a comparison of the additive and metabolic genetic models revealed that estimates of the QTL effects for traits proportional to metabolic flux are far less robust than for additive traits. However, in both models the highest R(2)'s repeatedly correspond to the same set of QTL.