The length of the intact donor chromosome segment around a target gene in marker-assisted backcrossing

Recurrent backcrossing is an established procedure to transfer target genes from a donor into the genetic background of a recipient genotype. By assessing the parental origin of alleles at markers flanking the target locus one can select individuals with a short intact donor chromosome segment around the target gene and thus reduce the linkage drag. We investigated the probability distribution of the length of the intact donor chromosome segment around the target gene in recurrent backcrossing with selection for heterozygosity at the target locus and homozygosity for the recurrent parent allele at flanking markers for a diploid species. Assuming no interference in crossover formation, we derived the cumulative density function, probability density function, expected value, and variance of the length of the intact chromosome segment for the following cases: (1) backcross generations prior to detection of a recombinant individual between the target gene and the flanking marker; (2) the backcross generation in which for the first time a recombinant individual is detected, which is selected for further backcrossing; and (3) subsequent backcross generations after selection of a recombinant. Examples are given of how these results can be applied to investigate the efficiency of marker-assisted backcrossing for reducing the length of the intact donor chromosome segment around the target gene under various situations relevant in breeding and genetic research.     

标记辅助导入中不同前景和背景选择方法的比较

标记辅助导入是分子遗传信息应用于动物育种的一个重要方面,其目的是在标记信息的辅助下将一个品种（供体）中的一个或多个优良基因导入另一个品种（受体）,同时还要尽可能地保持受体群体原有的遗传背景。标记辅助导入的过程包括3个阶段,第一阶段是杂交,即供体与受体杂交产生F1代个体,第二阶段是回交,即F1个体以及后续各个世代的后代个体重复地与受体回交,以使受体的遗传背景得到恢复,第三阶段是横交,即重复回交后得到的个体彼此问交配,以便获得供体基因的纯合个体,使该基因在群体中固定。在回交和横交阶段,都要对参与交配的个体进行选择。在选择中,要分别进行前景选择和背景选择,前景选择是对供体基因的选择,选择携带有供体基因个体参加配种,从而使该基因在回交过程中不会丢失,并在横交过程中能尽快固定,背景选择是对受体遗传背景的选择,选择那些含有受体基因组比例较高的个体参加配种,从而加快恢复受体遗传背景的速度。本研究通过计算机模拟对不同的前景选择方法和不同的背景选择方法进行了比较。前景选择方法包括对受体基因的直接选择（假设该基冈可以直接测定）、利用单个连锁标记的间接选择和利用两侧标记的间接选择3种,背景选择方法包括随机选择、基因组相似性选择、指数选择和标记辅助BLUP（MBLUP）选择4种。研究结果表明,对于前景选择来说,对供体基因的直接选择能保证该基因在回交的各个世代中保持一个稳定的频率（0．25）并在横交阶段迅速固定（2个世代）,用两侧标记的间接选择也能得到类似的结果,但如果仅利用单个连锁标记进行选择,则会导致供体基因的频率在回交阶段中有所下降,并在横交阶段不能被固定。对于背景选择来说,如果最终的目的是要完全恢复受体的遗传背景,基因组相似性选择或标记指数选择是最好的选择方法,它们可使受体的遗传背景在回交3个世代后就恢复到98％以上,而随机选择或MBLUP选择需要至少5个世代的回交才能达到这个水平。但如果最终的目的只是要恢复受体的某些优良性状,则MBLUP选择是值得推荐的方法,它可使影响这些性状的受体基因频率在回交3个世代后就达到99％以上,而且还能在整个基因导入过程中给这些性状带来最大的遗传进展。虽然用标记指数选择也有相似的结果,但与之相比,MBLUP的成本要低得多,更具有实际可行性。     

Comparison of Different Foreground and Background Selection Methods in Marker-Assisted Introgression

Three different methods for foreground selection and four different methods for background selection were compared in terms of the efficiency of marker-assisted introgression of a QTL allele from a donor line into a recipient line and also in terms of the recovery of the recipient genetic background. The results showed that for the introgression of a donor QTL allele, a direct selection on the QTL itself (when the QTL genotype can be directly identified) would ensure that the allele is successfully introgressed and rapidly fixed. However, when a direct selection on the QTL is not feasible, an indirect selection using two closely linked flanking markers can be used, which also shows similar results. For the recovery of the recipient genetic background, if the goal is to recover the whole genetic background of the recipient, genomic similarity selection or marker index selection would be the best choice: Only three generations of backcrosses were required to recover over 98% of the recipient genome. Whereas if the goal is to recover certain background traits of the recipient, MBLUP selection would give the best results, which achieved not only over 99% recovery of the recipient QTL alleles for the background traits after three generations of backcrosses, but also showed the best genetic improvement of these traits.     

植物基因组研究与利用的新型工具——异源单体附加系

在高等植物中, 以种间杂交和回交把有益基因从一个物种转移到另一个物种为目的育种项目中, 单个外源染色体常常被附加到含有受体细胞完整一套染色体中, 形成异源单体附加系。这种异源单体附加系是阐明基因组结构和转移基因的有效工具。它可以通过回交形成覆盖整个基因组的渗入系重叠群, 用于建立以受体物种基因组为载体的外源物种基因组文库。另外, 一套完整的异源单体附加系也可看作是一个拥有分散供体基因组成为单个染色体单位的文库, 便于精确高通量地将标记分配到单个供体染色体上, 从而可以比较供体染色体和各自的直向同源受体染色体之间的标记位置和同线性关系。同时, 也便于研究同源染色体的渗入机制和配对状态。文中介绍了异源单体附加系的培育和特性, 并着重阐明了它在遗传育种和基础研究中的应用。     

Resistance QTL confirmed through development of QTL-NILs for barley leaf rust resistance

Near-isogenic lines (NILs) differing with regard to disease QTLs provide valuable material for a more detailed study into the genetic basis of quantitative resistance. Previously obtained information on QTLs that show an effect on leaf rust (Puccinia hordei) in barley was used in a marker-assisted backcross programme. The genome origin in backcross plants was controlled through AFLP marker analysis and graphical genotyping. Plants obtained after the third generation of backcrossing sufficiently resembled the recurrent parent. For one QTL, BC₃S₁ plants were evaluated in a disease test and genotyped. NILs containing the desired QTL in homozygous condition in a recipient background were finally obtained. A disease test and verification of the marker genotype confirmed the identity of the NILs. Simultaneous with the backcross programme a simulation study on efficiency of marker-assisted backcrossing was performed.     

Selection theory for marker-assisted backcrossing

Marker-assisted backcrossing is routinely applied in breeding programs for gene introgression. While selection theory is the most important tool for the design of breeding programs for improvement of quantitative characters, no general selection theory is available for marker-assisted backcrossing. In this treatise, we develop a theory for marker-assisted selection for the proportion of the genome originating from the recurrent parent in a backcross program, carried out after preselection for the target gene(s). Our objectives were to (i) predict response to selection and (ii) give criteria for selecting the most promising backcross individuals for further backcrossing or selfing. Prediction of response to selection is based on the marker linkage map and the marker genotype of the parent(s) of the backcross population. In comparison to standard normal distribution selection theory, the main advantage of our approach is that it considers the reduction of the variance in the donor genome proportion due to selection. The developed selection criteria take into account the marker genotype of the candidates and consider whether these will be used for selfing or backcrossing. Prediction of response to selection is illustrated for model genomes of maize and sugar beet. Selection of promising individuals is illustrated with experimental data from sugar beet. The presented approach can assist geneticists and breeders in the efficient design of gene introgression programs.     

Speed congenics: accelerated genome recovery using genetic markers.

Genetic markers throughout the genome can be used to speed up 'recovery' of the recipient genome in the backcrossing phase of the construction of a congenic strain. The prediction of the genomic proportion during backcrossing depends on the assumptions regarding the distribution of chromosome segments, the population structure, the marker spacing and the selection strategy. In this study simulation was used to investigate the rate of recovery of the recipient genome for a mouse, Drosophila and Arabidopsis genome. It was shown that an incorrect assumption of a binomial distribution of chromosome segments, and failing to take account of a reduction in variance in genomic proportion due to selection, can lead to a downward bias of up to two generations in the estimation of the number of generations required for the formation of a congenic strain.     

Marker-assisted introgression using non-unique marker alleles I: selection on the presence of linked marker alleles

This paper investigates marker-assisted introgression of a major gene into an outbred line, where identification of the introgressed gene is incomplete because marker alleles are not unique to the base populations (the same marker allele can occur in both donor and recipient population). Those markers are used to identify the introgressed allele as well as the background genotype. The effect of using those markers, as if they were completely informative on the retention of the introgressed allele, was examined over five generations of backcrossing by using a single marker or a marker bracket for different starting frequencies of the marker alleles. Results were calculated by using both a deterministic approach, where selection is only for the desired allele, and by a stochastic approach, where selection is also on background genotype. When marker allele frequencies in donor and recipient population diverged from 1 and 0 (using a diallelic marker), the ability to retain the desired allele rapidly declined. Marker brackets performed notably better than single markers. If selection on background marker genotype was applied, the desired allele could be lost even more quickly than expected at random because the chance that the allele, which is common in the donor line, is present on the locus identifying the introgressed allele and is surrounded by alleles common in the recipient line on the background marker loci, will descend from the donor line (double recombination has taken place), is a lot smaller than the chance that this allele will stem from the recipient line (in which the allele occurs in low frequency). Marker brackets again performed better. Preselection against marker homozygotes (producing uninformative gametes) gave a slightly better retention of the introgressed allele.     

大豆SSR标记辅助遗传背景选择的效果分析

本研究利用鲁豆4号回交转育的大豆种子脂氧酶缺失株系为材料,用IEF-PAGE鉴定大豆种子脂氧酶缺失基因,SSR标记进行遗传背景分析,通过遗传背景回复率相关分析,探索分子标记辅助遗传背景选择时所需的适宜的标记数和选择方式,期望获得可进一步回的鲁豆4号脂氧酶缺失株系。研究明确了大豆SSR标记辅助背景选择时适宜标记数目和选择方式,即先用少数标记初筛,选出遗传背景回复率较高的材料,再用适宜标记鉴定,随着世代递增,已恢复为轮回亲本的标记住点不再分析,逐代减少选择标记数目。获得了合有脂氧酶缺失基因,遗传背景与鲁豆4号差异较小的株系,可用鲁玉4号进一步回交,从而加速培育鲁豆4号脂氧酶缺失近等基因系。     

Marker-Assisted Introgression of Quantitative Trait Loci

The use of molecular markers for the introgression of one or several superior QTL alleles into a recipient line is investigated using analytic and simulation results. The positions of the markers devoted to the control of the genotype at the QTLs in a ``foreground selection' step are optimized given the confidence interval of the QTL position. Results demonstrate that using at least three markers per QTL allows a good control over several generations. Population sizes that should be recommended for various numbers of QTLs are calculated and are used to determine the limit in the number of QTLs that can be monitored simultaneously. If ``background selection' devoted to accelerate the return to the recipient parent genotype outside the QTL regions is applied, the positions of the markers devoted to the control of the QTLs have to be reconsidered. When several QTLs are monitored simultaneously, background selection among the limited number of individuals resulting from the foreground selection step accelerates the increase in genomic similarity with the recipient parent, with only limited costs. Background selection is even more efficient in a pyramidal backcross program where QTLs are first monitored one by one.     

Efficiency gain of marker-assisted backcrossing by sequentially increasing marker densities over generations

Expenses for marker assays are the major costs in marker-assisted backcrossing programs for the transfer of target genes from a donor into the genetic background of a recipient genotype. Our objectives were to (1) investigate the effect of employing sequentially increasing marker densities over backcross generations on the recurrent parent genome (RPG) recovery and the number of marker data points (MDP) required, and (2) determine optimum designs for attaining RPG thresholds of 93–98% with a minimum number of MDP. We simulated the introgression of one dominant target gene for genome models of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) with varying marker distances of 5–80 cM and population sizes of 30–250 plants across BC₁ to BC₃ generations. Employing less dense maps in early backcross generations resulted in savings of over 50% in the number of required MDP compared with using a constant set of markers and was accompanied only by small reductions in the attained RPG values. The optimum designs were characterized by increasing marker densities and increasing population sizes in advanced generations for both genome models. We conclude that increasing simultaneously the marker density and the population size from early to advanced backcross generations results in gene introgression with a minimum number of required MDP.     

Rapid marker-assisted development of advanced recombinant lines from barley starch mutants

The comparative phenotypic analysis of mutants is often hampered by their diverse and poorly characterised genetic backgrounds. To overcome this problem, a suite of recombinant spring barley lines was developed for four starch biosynthesis genes in a common elite background. Rapid breeding progress was made by combining foreground and background selection with the screening of bulked families. A toolkit of perfect co-dominant PCR assays was developed for the four target genes, based on the causative single nucleotide polymorphisms underlying their starch phenotypes. These were used for foreground selection during backcrossing and selfing, and may be applied to bulks of up to ten plants. Screening bulks meant that large numbers of individuals with known family structure were rapidly assessed and that breeding effort was accurately targeted. These markers were also used for quality control during field multiplication and should be readily transferable to any crosses involving these four mutations. Background selection amongst BC1 progeny known to be heterozygous for the target starch alleles identified individuals which were relatively enriched for the recurrent parent across the rest of the genome. These were further advanced and true-breeding recombinants were selected which carry the target starch mutations in a largely recurrent parent background. The resulting set of BC2F5 pre-breeding lines should enable meaningful analysis of the starch phenotypes and facilitate their transfer into commercial breeding programmes.     

标记辅助回交育种中所需最小样本容量的近似估计

回交育种是把有利基因从供体亲本向受体亲本转移的一种有效方法,标记辅助选择可加速其进程。为了制定合理的标记辅助选择计划,育种家必须知道所需的后代群体大小。该文提出了一种估算在标记辅助回交育种中同时进行前景选择和背景选择所需群体大小的方法。在假定所需转移的目标基因座与遗传背景之间为相互独立的简化假设下,可以通过将解析方法（针对前景选择）与基于回交亲本图示基因型的模拟方法（针对背景选择）相结合,近似地估计出在每一世代中选到所需基因型的概率,进而估算出在一定概率水平下至少获得一个符合要求的个体所需的最小样本容量,用假想的例子演示了该方法的使用情况。该方法可以很方便地应用于实际的回交育种。     

Selection in backcross programmes

Backcrossing is a well-known and long established breeding scheme where a characteristic is introgressed from a donor parent into the genomic background of a recurrent parent. The various uses of backcrossing in modern genetics, particularly with the help of molecular markers, are reviewed here. Selection in backcross programmes is used to either improve the genetic value of plant and animal populations or fine map quantitative trait loci. Both cases are helpful in our understanding of the genetic bases of quantitative traits variation.     

Comparison of the observed with the simulated distributions of the parental genome contribution in two marker-assisted backcross programs in rice

Computer simulations are useful tools to optimize marker-assisted breeding programs. The objective of our study was to investigate the closeness of computer simulations of the recurrent parent genome recovery with experimental data obtained in two marker-assisted backcrossing programs in rice (Orzya sativa L.). We simulated the breeding programs as they were practically carried out. In the simulations we estimated the frequency distributions of the recurrent parent genome proportion in the backcross populations. The simulated distributions were in good agreement with those obtained practically. The simulation results were also observed to be robust with respect to the choice of the mapping function and the accuracy of the linkage map. We conclude that computer simulations are a useful tool for pre-experiment estimation of selection response in marker-assisted backcrossing. Vanessa Prigge and Hans Peter Maurer contributed equally to this work.     

Retention of D genome chromosomes in pentaploid wheat crosses

The transfer of genes between Triticum aestivum (hexaploid bread wheat) and T. turgidum (tetraploid durum wheat) holds considerable potential for genetic improvement of both these closely related species. Five different T. aestivum/T. turgidum ssp. durum crosses were investigated using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers to determine the inheritance of parental A, B and D genome material in subsequent generations derived from these crosses. The proportions of A, B and D chromosomal segments inherited from the hexaploid parent were found to vary significantly among individual crosses. F(2) populations retained widely varying quantities of D genome material, ranging from 99% to none. The relative inheritance of bread wheat and durum alleles in the A and B genomes of derived lines also varied among the crosses. Within any one cross, progeny without D chromosomes in general had significantly more A and B genome durum alleles than lines retaining D chromosomes. The ability to select for and manipulate this non-random segregation in bread wheat/durum crosses will assist in efficient backcrossing of selected characters into the recurrent durum or hexaploid genotype of choice. This study illustrates the utility of DArT markers in the study of inter-specific crosses to commercial crop species.     

Rapid and Targeted Introgression of Genes into Popular Wheat Cultivars Using Marker-Assisted Background Selection

A marker-assisted background selection (MABS)-based gene introgression approach in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was optimized, where 97% or more of a recurrent parent genome (RPG) can be recovered in just two backcross (BC) generations. A four-step MABS method was developed based on ‘Plabsim’ computer simulations and wheat genome structure information. During empirical optimization of this method, double recombinants around the target gene were selected in a step-wise fashion during the two BC cycles followed by selection for recurrent parent genotype on non-carrier chromosomes. The average spacing between carrier chromosome markers was <4 cM. For non-carrier chromosome markers that flanked each of the 48 wheat gene-rich regions, this distance was ∼12 cM. Employed to introgress seedling stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) resistance gene Yr15 into the spring wheat cultivar ‘Zak’, marker analysis of 2,187 backcross-derived progeny resulted in the recovery of a BC₂F_2∶3 plant with 97% of the recurrent parent genome. In contrast, only 82% of the recurrent parent genome was recovered in phenotypically selected BC₄F₇ plants developed without MABS. Field evaluation results from 17 locations indicated that the MABS-derived line was either equal or superior to the recurrent parent for the tested agronomic characteristics. Based on these results, MABS is recommended as a strategy for rapidly introgressing a targeted gene into a wheat genotype in just two backcross generations while recovering 97% or more of the recurrent parent genotype.     

Genetic characterization of papaya plants (Carica papaya L.) derived from the first backcross generation

The limited number of papaya varieties available reflects the narrow genetic base of this species. The use of backcrossing as a breeding strategy can promote increases in variability, besides allowing targeted improvements. Procedures that combine the use of molecular markers and backcrossing permit a reduction of the time required for introgression of genes of interest and appropriate recovery of the recurrent genome. We used microsatellite markers to characterize the effect of first-generation backcrosses of three papaya progeny, by monitoring the level of homozygosity and the parental genomic ratio. The homozygosity level in the population ranged from 74 to 94%, with a mean of 85% for the three progenies (52-08, 52-29 and 52-34). The high level of inbreeding found among these genotypes increases the expectation of finding more than 95% fixed loci in the next generation of self-fertilization of superior genotypes. The mean proportion of the recurrent parent genome found in first-generation backcross progeny was 50.1%; 52-34 had a larger genomic region in common with the recurrent genitor and the lowest level of homozygosity. The progeny 52-08 was genetically closest to the donor genitor, and it also had the highest level of homozygosity. We found that linking conventional procedures and molecular markers contributed to an increase in the efficiency of the breeding program.     

Hybridization but no evidence for backcrossing and introgression in a sympatric population of great reed warblers and clamorous reed warblers

Hybridization is observed frequently in birds, but often it is not known whether the hybrids are fertile and if backcrossing occurs. The breeding ranges of the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and the clamorous reed warbler (A. stentoreus) overlap in southern Kazakhstan and a previous study has documented hybridization in a sympatric population. In the present study, we first present a large set of novel microsatellite loci isolated and characterised in great reed warblers. Secondly, we evaluate whether hybridization in the sympatric breeding population has been followed by backcrossing and introgression.We isolated 181 unique microsatellite loci in great reed warblers. Of 41 loci evaluated, 40 amplified and 30 were polymorphic. Bayesian clustering analyses based on genotype data from 23 autosomal loci recognised two well-defined genetic clusters corresponding to the two species. Individuals clustered to a very high extent to either of these clusters (admixture proportions ≥ 0.984) with the exception of four previously suggested arundinaceus-stentoreus hybrid birds that showed mixed ancestry (admixture proportions 0.495-0.619). Analyses of simulated hybrids and backcrossed individuals showed that the sampled birds do not correspond to first-fourth-generation backcrosses, and that fifth or higher generation backcrosses to a high extent resemble 'pure' birds at this set of markers.We conclude that these novel microsatellite loci provide a useful molecular resource for Acrocephalus warblers. The time to reach reproductive isolation is believed to be very long in birds, approximately 5 Myrs, and with an estimated divergence time of 2 Myrs between these warblers, some backcrossing and introgression could have been expected. However, there was no evidence for backcrossing and introgression suggesting that hybrids are either infertile or their progeny inviable. Very low levels of introgression cannot be excluded, which still may be an important factor as a source of new genetic variation.     

Construction of a high-throughput rat genetic mapping system with 466 arbitrarily primed-representational difference analysis markers

Linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) requires genetic markers that can be efficiently genotyped for a large number of individuals. To isolate genetic markers suitable for this purpose, we previously established the arbitrarily primed RDA (AP-RDA) method. Dot-blotting AP-PCR products (AP-amplicons) onto filters at a high density and hybridization of the filters with the AP-RDA markers made it possible to genotype a large number of individuals simultaneously for multiple loci. In this study, by using 25 primers or primer combinations, we isolated a total of 419 AP-RDA markers by subtracting the AP-amplicon of BUF rats from that of ACI rats, and vice versa. By combining 47 previously isolated markers, a rat genetic map was drawn with 466 AP-RDA markers. Between two given strains of rats other than ACI and BUF, the average informativeness of the markers was 38%. As for the intercross of ACI and BUF rats, 12 selected primers served to genotype 259 loci. In addition, the amounts and quality of genomic DNA to be used for AP-PCR were examined to guarantee reliable genotyping. Now, initial genome scanning of the rat for linkage analysis can be performed efficiently using this mapping system with AP-RDA markers. Received: 28 April 2000 / Accepted: 14 June 2000