Constructing dense genetic linkage maps

This paper describes a novel combination of techniques for the construction of dense genetic linkage maps. The construction of such maps is hampered by the occurrence of even small proportions of typing errors. Simulated annealing is used to obtain the best map according to the optimality criterion: the likelihood or the total number of recombination events. Spatial sampling of markers is used to obtain a framework map. The construction of a framework map is essential if the steps used for simulated annealing are required to be simple. For missing-data imputation the Gibbs sampler is used. Map construction using simulated annealing and missing-data imputation are used in an iterative way. In order to obtain some measure of precision of the genetic linkage map obtained, the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm is used to obtain posterior intervals for the positions of markers. The process of map construction is embedded in a framework of pre-mapping and post-mapping diagnostics. The techniques described are illustrated using a practical application. Received: 1 June 2000 / Accepted: 21 September 2000     

Ethnicity and human genetic linkage maps

Human genetic linkage maps are based on rates of recombination across the genome. These rates in humans vary by the sex of the parent from whom alleles are inherited, by chromosomal position, and by genomic features, such as GC content and repeat density. We have examined--for the first time, to our knowledge--racial/ethnic differences in genetic maps of humans. We constructed genetic maps based on 353 microsatellite markers in four racial/ethnic groups: whites, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and East Asians (Chinese and Japanese). These maps were generated using 9,291 subjects from 2,900 nuclear families who participated in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded Family Blood Pressure Program, the largest sample used for map construction to date. Although the maps for the different groups are generally similar, we did find regional and genomewide differences across ethnic groups, including a longer genomewide map for African Americans than for other populations. Some of this variation was explained by genotyping artifacts--namely, null alleles (i.e., alleles with null phenotypes) at a number of loci--and by ethnic differences in null-allele frequencies. In particular, null alleles appear to be the likely explanation for the excess map length in African Americans. We also found that nonrandom missing data biases map results. However, we found regions on chromosome 8p and telomeric segments with significant ethnic differences and a suggestive interval on chromosome 12q that were not due to genotype artifacts. The difference on chromosome 8p is likely due to a polymorphic inversion in the region. The results of our investigation have implications for inferences of possible genetic influences on human recombination as well as for future linkage studies, especially those involving populations of nonwhite ethnicity.     

Two genetic linkage maps of tetraploid roses

A tetraploid F₂ progeny segregating for resistance to black spot, growth habit, and absence of prickles on the stem and petioles was used to construct genetic linkage maps of rose. The F₁ of the progeny, 90–69, was created by crossing a black spot-resistant amphidiploid, 86–7, with a susceptible tetraploid, 82–1134. The F₁ was open-pollinated to obtain 115 seedlings. AFLP and SSR markers were used to eliminate seedlings produced through cross-fertilization. The remaining progeny set of 52 F₂ plants was used to study the inheritance of 675 AFLPs, one isozyme, three morphological and six SSR markers. AFLP markers were developed with three combinations of restriction enzymes, EcoRI/MseI, KpnI/MseI and PstI/MseI. Most of the markers appear to be in simplex or single-dose and segregated 3:1 in the progeny. One linkage map was constructed for each parent using only the single-dose markers. The map of 86–7 consists of 171 markers assigned to 15 linkage groups and covering more than 902 cM of the genome. The map of 82–1134 consists of 167 markers assigned to 14 linkage groups and covering more than 682 cM of the genome. In the AFLP analysis, EcoRI/MseI generated nearly twice as many markers per run than PstI/MseI. Markers developed with three restriction enzyme combinations showed a mixed distribution throughout the maps. A gene controlling the prickles on the petiole was located at the end of linkage group 7 on the map of 86–7. A gene for malate dehydrogenase locus 2 was located in the middle of linkage group 4 on the map of 86–7. These first-generation maps provide initial tools for marker- assisted selection and gene introgression for the improvement of modern tetraploid roses. Received: 20 June 2000 / Accepted: 13 January 2001     

RAPD-based genetic linkage maps of Tribolium castaneum.

A genetic map of the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) integrating molecular with morphological markers was constructed using a backcross population of 147 siblings. The map defines 10 linkage groups (LGs), presumably corresponding to the 10 chromosomes, and consists of 122 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, six molecular markers representing identified genes, and five morphological markers. The total map length is 570 cM, giving an average marker resolution of 4.3 cM. The average physical distance per genetic distance was estimated at 350 kb/cM. A cluster of loci showing distorted segregation was detected on LG9. The process of converting RAPD markers to sequence-tagged site markers was initiated: 18 RAPD markers were cloned and sequenced, and single-strand conformational polymorphisms were identified for 4 of the 18. The map positions of all 4 coincided with those of the parent RAPD markers.     

Optimizing parental selection for genetic linkage maps.

Genetic linkage maps based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms are useful for many purposes; however, different populations are required to fulfill different objectives. Clones from the linkage map(s) are subsequently probed onto populations developed for special purposes such as gene tagging. Therefore, clones contained on the initial map(s) must be polymorphic on a wide range of genotypes to have maximum utility. The objectives of this research were to (i) calculate polymorphism information content values of 51 low-copy DNA clones and (ii) use the resulting values to choose potential mapping parents. Polymorphism information content was calculated using gene diversity by classifying restriction fragment patterns on a diverse set of 18 wheat genotypes. Combinations of potential parents were then compared by examining both the proportion of polymorphic clones and the likelihood that those mapped clones would give a polymorphism when used on other populations. Genotype pairs were identified that would map more highly informative DNA clones compared with a population derived from the most polymorphic potential parents. The methodologies used to characterize clones and rank potential parents should be applicable to other species and types of markers as well.     

Comparison between Poncirus and Citrus genetic linkage maps

Five genetic linkage maps were constructed for the parents of three progenies: Citrus aurantium (A) x Poncirus trifoliata var. Flying Dragon (Pa), C. volkameriana (V) x P. trifoliata var. Rubidoux (Pv) and a self-pollination of P. trifoliata var. Flying Dragon (Pp). The number of polymorphic markers assayed ranged from 48 for Pa to 120 for A according to the heterozygosity of each parental. As our focus was on genome comparison, most of the markers were newly generated simple sequence repeats. Inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphisms based on four retrotransposon sequences isolated from Citrus spp were also used to saturate the maps. These polymorphisms were much more frequent in A (53) than in Pa (15) and randomly distributed throughout both genomes. Since comparative genomics and quantitative trait locus analysis applicability depends on the reliability of marker ordering, the causes of variation in marker order were investigated. Around 25% of the markers showed gametal segregation distortions. Segregation distortions were also observed at the zygotic level towards a reduction in the observed frequency of homozygotes from that expected in linkage groups 5 and 7. The presence of balanced lethal factors or gametal incompatibility genes in those genomic regions would explain a zygotic advantage of heterozygotes at these specific regions. Four differences in genomic organization were observed; three are putative translocations and affect homeologous linkage groups 3, 7 and 11, where highly distorted markers are found. Other causes of variation in marker order are also discussed: the introduction of new markers in the map, lowering the LOD score and the mapping software. These results represent the first comparative mapping analysis among Citrus and Poncirus species.     

Constructing genetic linkage maps under a tetrasomic model

An international consortium has launched the whole-genome sequencing of potato, the fourth most important food crop in the world. Construction of genetic linkage maps is an inevitable step for taking advantage of the genome projects for the development of novel cultivars in the autotetraploid crop species. However, linkage analysis in autopolyploids, the kernel of linkage map construction, is theoretically challenging and methodologically unavailable in the current literature. We present here a theoretical analysis and a statistical method for tetrasomic linkage analysis with dominant and/or codominant molecular markers. The analysis reveals some essential properties of the tetrasomic model. The method accounts properly for double reduction and incomplete information of marker phenotype in regard to the corresponding phenotype in estimating the coefficients of double reduction and recombination frequency and in testing their significance by using the marker phenotype data. Computer simulation was developed to validate the analysis and the method and a case study with 201 AFLP and SSR markers scored on 228 full-sib individuals of autotetraploid potato is used to illustrate the utility of the method in map construction in autotetraploid species.     

Joining genetic linkage maps using a joint likelihood function

We present an efficient method to join genetic maps derived from different crosses, which is especially appropriate for dominant markers. In contrast to the JoinMap algorithm, which estimates information about recombination in a given cross from the LOD values and then combines estimates among crosses assuming a binomial sampling distribution, we construct a joint likelihood function that combines information across all crosses, to obtain a joint estimate of recombination. Simulations indicate that the difference between these two approaches is small when codominant markers are used, but that the joint likelihood approach shows substantially improved estimates when dominant or a mixture of dominant and codominant markers are used. This is because the joint likelihood implicitly finds the optimal weights among different classes of data, while the former method does not accurately predict the information from crosses involving dominant markers. Application of our method is illustrated by the construction of a linkage map for Linanthus using both backcrosses and the F₂ of a cross between Linanthus jepsonii and L. bicolor, assayed with amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP).     

MapDisto: fast and efficient computation of genetic linkage maps

Several options are available to the scientific community for genetic map construction but few are simple to install and use. Available programs either lack intuitive interface or are commercial, expensive for many laboratories. We present MapDisto, a free, user-friendly and powerful program for constructing genetic maps from experimental segregating populations. MapDisto is freely available at http://mapdisto.free.fr/DL/. Current version: 1.7.5.     

Alignment of two genetic linkage maps on porcine chromosome 13

A set of four microsatellite markers from the USDA genetic linkage map of porcine chromosome 13 were mapped in the European Pig Gene Mapping Project (PiGMaP) reference pedigrees. A two-point linkage analysis was performed between these markers and a set of markers known to map to chromosome 13. Pairs of markers that had a lod score greater than three were used to construct a multi-point linkage map, permitting alignment of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) map to the PiGMaP.     

Integrating genetic linkage maps with pachytene chromosome structure in maize

Genetic linkage maps reveal the order of markers based on the frequency of recombination between markers during meiosis. Because the rate of recombination varies along chromosomes, it has been difficult to relate linkage maps to chromosome structure. Here we use cytological maps of crossing over based on recombination nodules (RNs) to predict the physical position of genetic markers on each of the 10 chromosomes of maize. This is possible because (1). all 10 maize chromosomes can be individually identified from spreads of synaptonemal complexes, (2). each RN corresponds to one crossover, and (3). the frequency of RNs on defined chromosomal segments can be converted to centimorgan values. We tested our predictions for chromosome 9 using seven genetically mapped, single-copy markers that were independently mapped on pachytene chromosomes using in situ hybridization. The correlation between predicted and observed locations was very strong (r(2) = 0.996), indicating a virtual 1:1 correspondence. Thus, this new, high-resolution, cytogenetic map enables one to predict the chromosomal location of any genetically mapped marker in maize with a high degree of accuracy. This novel approach can be applied to other organisms as well.     

Integration of the cytogenetic and genetic linkage maps of Brassica oleracea

We have assigned all nine linkage groups of a Brassica oleracea genetic map to each of the nine chromosomes of the karyotype derived from mitotic metaphase spreads of the B. oleracea var. alboglabra line A12DHd using FISH. The majority of probes were BACs, with A12DHd DNA inserts, which give clear, reliable FISH signals. We have added nine markers to the existing integrated linkage map, distributed over six linkage groups. BACs were definitively assigned to linkage map positions through development of locus-specific PCR assays. Integration of the cytogenetic and genetic linkage maps was achieved with 22 probes representing 19 loci. Four chromosomes (2, 4, 7, and 9) are in the same orientation as their respective linkage groups (O4, O7, O8, and O6) whereas four chromosomes (1, 3, 5, and 8) and linkage groups (O3, O9, O2, and O1) are in the opposite orientation. The remaining chromosome (6) is probably in the opposite orientation. The cytogenetic map is an important resource for locating probes with unknown genetic map positions and is also being used to analyze the relationships between genetic and cytogenetic maps.     

Molecular genetic linkage maps of mouse chromosomes 4 and 6.

We have generated a moderate resolution genetic map of mouse chromosomes 4 and 6 utilizing a (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus) F1 x Mus spretus backcross with RFLPs for 31 probes. The map for chromosome 4 covers 77 cM and details a large region of homology to human chromosome 1p. The map establishes the breakpoints in the mouse 4-human 1p region of homology to a 2-cM interval between Ifa and Jun in mouse and to the interval between JUN and ACADM in human. The map for mouse chromosome 6 spans a 65-cM region and contains a large region of homology to human 7q. These maps also provide chromosomal assignment and order for a number of previously unmapped probes. The maps should allow the rapid regional assignment of new markers to mouse chromosomes 4 and 6. In addition, knowledge of the gene order in mouse may prove useful in determining the gene order of the homologous regions in human.     

Optimal structure of protocol designs for building genetic linkage maps in livestock

We investigated protocol designs for gene mapping in livestock. The optimization of the population structure was based on the empirical variance of the recombination rate estimator. We concluded that a mixture of half-sib and full-sib families is preferred to half-sib families; a knowledge of parental phases does not improve the quality of the estimation for typical livestock families with five offspring or more; and measurements of the genotype of the mates in half-sib families are not useful. Graphs and algebraic approximations for the practical choice of family size and structure are given.     

AFLP-based genetic linkage maps of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

We report the construction of the first genetic linkage map in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. AFLP markers were used in 86 full-sib progeny from a controlled pair mating, applying a double pseudo-test cross strategy. Thirty-six primer pairs generated 2354 peaks, of which 791 (33.6%) were polymorphic in the mapping family. Among those, 341 segregated through the female parent, 296 through the male parent (type 1:1) and 154 through both parents (type 3:1). Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests revealed that 71% and 73% of type 1:1 and 3:1 markers respectively segregated according to Mendelian inheritance. Sex-specific linkage maps were built with mapmaker 3.0 software. The female framework map consisted of 121 markers ordered into 14 linkage groups, spanning 862.8 cM, with an average marker spacing of 8.0 cM. The male framework map consisted of 116 markers ordered into 14 linkage groups, spanning 825.2 cM, with an average marker spacing of 8.09 cM. Genome coverage was estimated to be 76.7% and 75.9% for the female and male framework maps respectively, rising to 85.8% (female) and 86.2% (male) when associated markers were included. Twelve probable homologous linkage group pairs were identified and a consensus map was built for nine of these homologous pairs based on multiple and parallel linkages of 3:1 markers, spanning 816 cM, with joinmap 4.0 software.     

Preliminary genetic linkage maps of Chinese herb Dendrobium nobile and D. moniliforme

Dendrobium is an endangered genus in the orchid family with medicinal and horticultural value. Two preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed using 90 F₁ progeny individuals derived from an interspecific cross between D. nobile and D. moniliforme (both, 2n?=?38), using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR). A total of 286 RAPD loci and 68 ISSR loci were identified and used for genetic linkage analysis. Maps were constructed by double pseudo-testcross mapping strategy using the software Mapmaker/EXP ver. 3.0, and Kosambi map distances were constructed using a LOD score ≥ 4 and a recombination threshold of 0.4. The resulting frame map of D. nobile was 1474 cM in total length with 116 loci distributed in 15 linkage groups; and the D. moniliforme linkage map had 117 loci placed in 16 linkage groups spanning 1326.5 cM. Both maps showed 76.91% and 73.59% genome coverage for D. nobile and D. moniliforme, respectively. These primary maps provide an important basis for genetic studies and further medicinal and horticultural traits mapping and marker-assisted selection in Dendrobium breeding programmes.     

Molecular genetic linkage maps for allotetraploid Leymus wildryes (Gramineae: Triticeae).

Molecular genetic maps were constructed for two full-sib populations, TTC1 and TTC2, derived from two Leymus triticoides x Leymus cinereus hybrids and one common Leymus triticoides tester. Informative DNA markers were detected using 21 EcoRI-MseI and 17 PstI-MseI AFLP primer combinations, 36 anchored SSR or STS primer pairs, and 9 anchored RFLP probes. The 164-sib TTC1 map includes 1069 AFLP markers and 38 anchor loci in 14 linkage groups spanning 2001 cM. The 170-sib TTC2 map contains 1002 AFLP markers and 36 anchor loci in 14 linkage groups spanning 2066 cM. Some 488 homologous AFLP loci and 24 anchor markers detected in both populations showed similar map order. Thus, 1583 AFLP markers and 50 anchor loci were mapped into 14 linkage groups, which evidently correspond to the 14 chromosomes of allotetraploid Leymus (2n = 4x = 28). Synteny of two or more anchor markers from each of the seven homoeologous wheat and barley chromosomes was detected for 12 of the 14 Leymus linkage groups. Moreover, two distinct sets of genome-specific STS markers were identified in these allotetraploid Leymus species. These Leymus genetic maps and populations will provide a useful system to evaluate the inheritance of functionally important traits of two divergent perennial grass species.     

Diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers in apple for genetic linkage maps

Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) provides a high-throughput whole-genome genotyping platform for the detection and scoring of hundreds of polymorphic loci without any need for prior sequence information. The work presented here details the development and performance of a DArT genotyping array for apple. This is the first paper on DArT in horticultural trees. Genetic mapping of DArT markers in two mapping populations and their integration with other marker types showed that DArT is a powerful high-throughput method for obtaining accurate and reproducible marker data, despite the low cost per data point. This method appears to be suitable for aligning the genetic maps of different segregating populations. The standard complexity reduction method, based on the methylation-sensitive PstI restriction enzyme, resulted in a high frequency of markers, although there was 52-54% redundancy due to the repeated sampling of highly similar sequences. Sequencing of the marker clones showed that they are significantly enriched for low-copy, genic regions. The genome coverage using the standard method was 55-76%. For improved genome coverage, an alternative complexity reduction method was examined, which resulted in less redundancy and additional segregating markers. The DArT markers proved to be of high quality and were very suitable for genetic mapping at low cost for the apple, providing moderate genome coverage. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11032-011-9579-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.