关联分析及其在植物遗传学研究中的应用

植物的很多重要经济性状均属于复杂性状。基于连锁分析的QTL作图是研究复杂性状的有效手段, 但其尚存在一定的局限性。随着现代生物学的发展, 一种基于连锁不平衡的新剖分复杂性状方法--关联分析法, 开始应用于植物遗传学研究。与QTL作图法相比, 应用关联分析法具有不需要构建特殊的群体, 可同时对多个等位基因进行分析, 定位QTL精度可达到单基因水平等优势。该文介绍了关联分析方法学的基础和特性, 简述了其在植物遗传学研究中的进展情况, 并对其未来发展和在植物遗传学研究中的应用进行了展望。

Association analysis and its application in plant genetic research

Most of the important economic traits in plant genetics are attributed to complex traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping is an important tool for studying complex traits. However, because of its limitations, QTL mapping is used only in certain cases. Association analysis, a new approach for dissecting complex traits based on linkage disequilibrium, can overcome the limitations of QTL mapping for use in plant genetic studies. As compared with QTL mapping and other methods used to dissect complex traits, association analysis does not need specific population construction, multiple alleles can be analyzed synchronously, and mapping resolution is higher. Here, we introduce the methodology and properties of association analysis, outline the progress with such analysis in plant genetics research, and discuss future applications and potential development of association analysis in plant genetics research.