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A reciprocal cross design to map the genetic architecture of complex traits in apomictic plants
Author(s) -
Yin Danni,
Zhu Xuli,
Jiang Libo,
Zhang Jian,
Zeng Yanru,
Wu Rongling
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.13128
Subject(s) - apomixis , meiosis , biology , quantitative trait locus , genetic architecture , linkage (software) , genetics , computational biology , genetic model , ploidy , gene
Summary Many higher plants of economic and biological importance undergo apomixis in which the maternal tissue of the ovule forms a seed, without experiencing meiosis and fertilization. This feature of apomixis has made it difficult to perform linkage mapping which relies on meiotic recombination. Here, we describe a computational model for mapping quantitative trait loci ( QTL s) that control complex traits in apomictic plants. The model is founded on the mixture model‐based likelihood in which maternal genotypes are dissolved into two possible components generated by meiotic and apomictic processes, respectively. The EM algorithm was implemented to discern meiotic and apomictic genotypes and, therefore, allow the marker‐ QTL linkage relationship to be estimated. By capitalizing on reciprocal crosses, the model is renovated to estimate and test imprinting effects of QTL s, providing a better gateway to characterize the genetic architecture of complex traits. The model was validated through computer simulation and further demonstrated for its usefulness by analyzing a real data for an apomictic woody plant. The model has for the first time provided a unique tool for genetic mapping in apomictic plants.