Development and validation of the Axiom®Apple480K SNP genotyping array

Cultivated apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most important fruit crops in temperate regions, and has great economic and cultural value. The apple genome is highly heterozygous and has undergone a recent duplication which, combined with a rapid linkage disequilibrium decay, makes it difficult to perform genome‐wide association (GWA) studies. Single nucleotide polymorphism arrays offer highly multiplexed assays at a relatively low cost per data point and can be a valid tool for the identification of the markers associated with traits of interest. Here, we describe the development and validation of a 487K SNP Affymetrix Axiom^® genotyping array for apple and discuss its potential applications. The array has been built from the high‐depth resequencing of 63 different cultivars covering most of the genetic diversity in cultivated apple. The SNPs were chosen by applying a focal points approach to enrich genic regions, but also to reach a uniform coverage of non‐genic regions. A total of 1324 apple accessions, including the 92 progenies of two mapping populations, have been genotyped with the Axiom^®Apple480K to assess the effectiveness of the array. A large majority of SNPs (359 994 or 74%) fell in the stringent class of poly high resolution polymorphisms. We also devised a filtering procedure to identify a subset of 275K very robust markers that can be safely used for germplasm surveys in apple. The Axiom^®Apple480K has now been commercially released both for public and proprietary use and will likely be a reference tool for GWA studies in apple.     

Development,validation and genetic analysis of a large soybean SNP genotyping array

Cultivated soybean (Glycine max) suffers from a narrow germplasm relative to other crop species, probably because of under‐use of wild soybean (Glycine soja) as a breeding resource. Use of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array is a promising method for dissecting cultivated and wild germplasms to identify important adaptive genes through high‐density genetic mapping and genome‐wide association studies. Here we describe a large soybean SNP array for use in diversity analyses, linkage mapping and genome‐wide association analyses. More than four million high‐quality SNPs identified from high‐depth genome re‐sequencing of 16 soybean accessions and low‐depth genome re‐sequencing of 31 soybean accessions were used to select 180 961 SNPs for creation of the Axiom^® SoyaSNP array. Validation analysis for a set of 222 diverse soybean lines showed that 170 223 markers were of good quality for genotyping. Phylogenetic and allele frequency analyses of the validation set data indicated that accessions showing an intermediate morphology between cultivated and wild soybeans collected in Korea were natural hybrids. More than 90 unanchored scaffolds in the current soybean reference sequence were assigned to chromosomes using this array. Finally, dense average spacing and preferential distribution of the SNPs in gene‐rich chromosomal regions suggest that this array may be suitable for genome‐wide association studies of soybean germplasm. Taken together, these results suggest that use of this array may be a powerful method for soybean genetic analyses relating to many aspects of soybean breeding.     

A whole‐genome SNP array (RICE6K) for genomic breeding in rice

The advances in genotyping technology provide an opportunity to use genomic tools in crop breeding. As compared to field selections performed in conventional breeding programmes, genomics‐based genotype screen can potentially reduce number of breeding cycles and more precisely integrate target genes for particular traits into an ideal genetic background. We developed a whole‐genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, RICE6K, based on Infinium technology, using representative SNPs selected from more than four million SNPs identified from resequencing data of more than 500 rice landraces. RICE6K contains 5102 SNP and insertion–deletion (InDel) markers, about 4500 of which were of high quality in the tested rice lines producing highly repeatable results. Forty‐five functional markers that are located inside 28 characterized genes of important traits can be detected using RICE6K. The SNP markers are evenly distributed on the 12 chromosomes of rice with the average density of 12 SNPs per 1 Mb and can provide information for polymorphisms between indica and japonica subspecies as well as varieties within indica and japonica groups. Application tests of RICE6K showed that the array is suitable for rice germplasm fingerprinting, genotyping bulked segregating pools, seed authenticity check and genetic background selection. These results suggest that RICE6K provides an efficient and reliable genotyping tool for rice genomic breeding.     

Development of a 135K SNP genotyping array for Actinidia arguta and its applications for genetic mapping and QTL analysis in kiwifruit

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp) is a woody, perennial and deciduous vine. In this genus, there are multiple ploidy levels but the main cultivated cultivars are polyploid. Despite the availability of many genomic resources in kiwifruit, SNP genotyping is still a challenge given these different levels of polyploidy. Recent advances in SNP array technologies have offered a high-throughput genotyping platform for genome-wide DNA polymorphisms. In this study, we developed a high-density SNP genotyping array to facilitate genetic studies and breeding applications in kiwifruit. SNP discovery was performed by genome-wide DNA sequencing of 40 kiwifruit genotypes. The identified SNPs were stringently filtered for sequence quality, predicted conversion performance and distribution over the available Actinidia chinensis genome. A total of 134 729 unique SNPs were put on the array. The array was evaluated by genotyping 400 kiwifruit individuals. We performed a multidimensional scaling analysis to assess the diversity of kiwifruit germplasm, showing that the array was effective to distinguish kiwifruit accessions. Using a tetraploid F1 population, we constructed an integrated linkage map covering 3060.9 cM across 29 linkage groups and performed QTL analysis for the sex locus that has been identified on Linkage Group 3 (LG3) in Actinidia arguta. Finally, our dataset presented evidence of tetrasomic inheritance with partial preferential pairing in A. arguta. In conclusion, we developed and evaluated a 135K SNP genotyping array for kiwifruit. It has the advantage of a comprehensive design that can be an effective tool in genetic studies and breeding applications in this high-value crop.     

ALOHOMORA: a tool for linkage analysis using 10K SNP array data

SUMMARY: ALOHOMORA is a software tool designed to facilitate genome-wide linkage studies performed with high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker panels such as the Affymetrix GeneChip(R) Human Mapping 10K Array. Genotype data are converted into appropriate formats for a number of common linkage programs and subjected to standard quality control routines before linkage runs are started. ALOHOMORA is written in Perl and may be used to perform state-of-the-art linkage scans in small and large families with any genetic model. Options for using different genetic maps or ethnicity-specific allele frequencies are implemented. Graphic outputs of whole-genome multipoint LOD score values are provided for the entire dataset as well as for individual families. AVAILABILITY: ALOHOMORA is available free of charge for non-commercial research institutions. For more details, see http://gmc.mdc-berlin.de/alohomora/     

GenoBaits Soy40K: a highly flexible and low-cost SNP array for soybean studies

<正>Dear Editor,Soybean(Glycine max [L.] Merr.) provides more than half of the oilseeds and more than a quarter of protein worldwide. It is estimated that the production of soybean has to be doubled by 2050 to meet the needs of the rapidly increasing consumption of soybean seeds along with a continuously increasing population(Ray et al., 2013). As such, development of a genotyping platform with high throughput, high efficiency and high precision but low-cost is urgently needed to accelerate...     

Tool for genomic selection and breeding to evolutionary adaptation: Development of a 100K single nucleotide polymorphism array for the honey bee

High‐throughput high‐density genotyping arrays continue to be a fast, accurate, and cost‐effective method for genotyping thousands of polymorphisms in high numbers of individuals. Here, we have developed a new high‐density SNP genotyping array (103,270 SNPs) for honey bees, one of the most ecologically and economically important pollinators worldwide. SNPs were detected by conducting whole‐genome resequencing of 61 honey bee drones (haploid males) from throughout Europe. Selection of SNPs for the chip was done in multiple steps using several criteria. The majority of SNPs were selected based on their location within known candidate regions or genes underlying a range of honey bee traits, including hygienic behavior against pathogens, foraging, and subspecies. Additionally, markers from a GWAS of hygienic behavior against the major honey bee parasite Varroa destructor were brought over. The chip also includes SNPs associated with each of three major breeding objectives—honey yield, gentleness, and Varroa resistance. We validated the chip and make recommendations for its use by determining error rates in repeat genotypings, examining the genotyping performance of different tissues, and by testing how well different sample types represent the queen's genotype. The latter is a key test because it is highly beneficial to be able to determine the queen's genotype by nonlethal means. The array is now publicly available and we suggest it will be a useful tool in genomic selection and honey bee breeding, as well as for GWAS of different traits, and for population genomic, adaptation, and conservation questions.     

A strategy for developing representative germplasm sets for systematic QTL validation,demonstrated for apple,peach, and sweet cherry

Horticultural crop improvement would benefit from a standardized, systematic, and statistically robust procedure for validating quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in germplasm relevant to breeding programs. Here, we describe and demonstrate a strategy for developing reference germplasm sets of perennial, clonally propagated crops, especially those with long juvenile periods. Germplasm is chosen to efficiently represent important members of larger pedigree-connected genepools. To facilitate validation of multiple QTLs, genome-wide representation of alleles is optimized for designated important breeding parents (IBPs) by estimating average allelic representation in relatives. The strategy and arising principles were demonstrated in a simulated germplasm set. Strong statistical power can be achieved with a carefully chosen germplasm set composed of IBPs, their numerous unselected progenies and close relatives, and all available founders and intermediate ancestors. Crop Reference Sets were developed in the marker-assisted breeding (MAB)-enabling “RosBREED” project as a base resource for QTL validation in US breeding germplasm of apple (Malus × domestica), peach (Prunus persica), and sweet cherry (Prunus avium) consisting of 467, 452, and 268 individuals, respectively. These sets adequately represent the most designated IBPs, have distinct advantages for QTL validation over other germplasm arrangements of equal size, and are recommended as a base resource for QTL validation by breeders of these US crops. The strategy described here can be used to develop efficient reference germplasm sets suiting other breeding genepools or to calculate the statistical power for QTL validation of germplasm sets already established.     

Development and evaluation of a genome‐wide Coffee 8.5K SNP array and its application for high‐density genetic mapping and for investigating the origin of Coffea arabica L.

Coffee species such as Coffea canephora P. (Robusta) and C. arabica L. (Arabica) are important cash crops in tropical regions around the world. C. arabica is an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 44) originating from a hybridization event of the two diploid species C. canephora and C. eugenioides (2n = 2x = 22). Interestingly, these progenitor species harbour a greater level of genetic variability and are an important source of genes to broaden the narrow Arabica genetic base. Here, we describe the development, evaluation and use of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for coffee trees. A total of 8580 unique and informative SNPs were selected from C. canephora and C. arabica sequencing data, with 40% of the SNP located in annotated genes. In particular, this array contains 227 markers associated to 149 genes and traits of agronomic importance. Among these, 7065 SNPs (~82.3%) were scorable and evenly distributed over the genome with a mean distance of 54.4 Kb between markers. With this array, we improved the Robusta high‐density genetic map by adding 1307 SNP markers, whereas 945 SNPs were found segregating in the Arabica mapping progeny. A panel of C. canephora accessions was successfully discriminated and over 70% of the SNP markers were transferable across the three species. Furthermore, the canephora‐derived subgenome of C. arabica was shown to be more closely related to C. canephora accessions from northern Uganda than to other current populations. These validated SNP markers and high‐density genetic maps will be useful to molecular genetics and for innovative approaches in coffee breeding.     

Design of a bovine low-density SNP array optimized for imputation

The Illumina BovineLD BeadChip was designed to support imputation to higher density genotypes in dairy and beef breeds by including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that had a high minor allele frequency as well as uniform spacing across the genome except at the ends of the chromosome where densities were increased. The chip also includes SNPs on the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA loci that are useful for determining subspecies classification and certain paternal and maternal breed lineages. The total number of SNPs was 6,909. Accuracy of imputation to Illumina BovineSNP50 genotypes using the BovineLD chip was over 97% for most dairy and beef populations. The BovineLD imputations were about 3 percentage points more accurate than those from the Illumina GoldenGate Bovine3K BeadChip across multiple populations. The improvement was greatest when neither parent was genotyped. The minor allele frequencies were similar across taurine beef and dairy breeds as was the proportion of SNPs that were polymorphic. The new BovineLD chip should facilitate low-cost genomic selection in taurine beef and dairy cattle.     

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method using diode array detection for the simultaneous quantification of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole in human plasma

A high-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed for quantification of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole, in human plasma. After a simple liquid-liquid extraction, chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 reversed-phase column, using an ammonium buffer-acetonitrile mobile phase (40:60, v/v). The total run time was only 7 min at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min. The precision values were less than 12% and the accuracy values were ranging from 98 to 113% and the lower limit of quantification was 2 ng/ml for both compounds. Calibration curves were linear over a range of 2-1000 ng/ml. The mean trough plasma concentrations in patients treated with aripiprazole were 157 and 29 ng/ml for aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole, respectively.     

CRISPR/Cas9系统在培育抗病毒植物新种质中的应用

随着CRISPR/Cas9系统在基因组编辑技术上的开发和完善,CRISPR/Cas9系统在应用于动物病毒感染性疾病防治并取得相当成效的同时,也逐步被应用到对植物病毒基因组进行高效靶向修饰的研究中。CRISPR/Cas9系统对基因组靶向修饰作用不仅实现了对植物DNA病毒基因组序列的编辑,还展示了其有效作用于植物RNA病毒基因组的潜力,同时CRISPR/Cas9系统还能在基因转录和转录后调控水平发挥作用,说明该系统具有通过多种途径调控植物病毒复制的潜能。相对其他植物病毒病防治策略,该系统对病毒基因组的编辑更精准、对基因表达的调控更稳定,对病毒病的抗性也更为广谱。本文将CRISPR/Cas9系统与其他植物病毒病防治策略进行了比较,概述了该系统在培育植物抗病毒病新种质中的优势,分析了其具体应用在该领域中面临的主要问题,讨论了该系统在培育抗病毒植物新种质应用中的发展趋势。     

Identification of structural aberrations in cancer by SNP array analysis

Recent studies using single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays have pinpointed novel oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in specific types of human cancers.