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Challenges and prospects in genome‐wide quantitative trait loci mapping of standing genetic variation in natural populations
Author(s) -
Schielzeth Holger,
Husby Arild
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.12397
Subject(s) - biology , trait , quantitative trait locus , genetic variation , evolutionary biology , natural selection , quantitative genetics , adaptation (eye) , human evolutionary genetics , genome wide association study , genome , genetics , selection (genetic algorithm) , genotype , gene , computer science , single nucleotide polymorphism , neuroscience , programming language , artificial intelligence
A considerable challenge in evolutionary genetics is to understand the genetic mechanisms that facilitate or impede evolutionary adaptation in natural populations. For this, we must understand the genetic loci contributing to trait variation and the selective forces acting on them. The decreased costs and increased feasibility of obtaining genotypic data on a large number of individuals have greatly facilitated gene mapping in natural populations, particularly because organisms whose genetics have been historically difficult to study are now within reach. Here we review the methods available to evolutionary ecologists interested in dissecting the genetic basis of traits in natural populations. Our focus lies on standing genetic variation in outbred populations. We present an overview of the current state of research in the field, covering studies on both plants and animals. We also draw attention to particular challenges associated with the discovery of quantitative trait loci and discuss parallels to studies on crops, livestock, and humans. Finally, we point to some likely future developments in genetic mapping studies.