Abstract
The cost of experiments aimed at determining linkage between marker loci and quantitative trait loci (QTL) was investigated as a function of marker spacing and number of individuals scored. It was found that for a variety of experimental designs, fairly wide marker spacings (ca. 50 cM) are optimum or close to optimum for initial studies of marker-QTL linkage, in the sense of minimizing overall cost of the experiment. Thus, even when large numbers of more or less evenly spaced markers are available, it will not always be cost effective to make full utilization of this capacity. This is particularly true when costs of rearing and trait evaluation per individual scored are low, as when marker data are obtained on individuals raised and evaluated for quantitative traits as part of existing programs. When costs of rearing and trait evaluation per individual scored are high, however, as in human family data collection carried out primarily for subsequent marker — QTL analyses, or when plants or animals are raised specifically for purposes of marker — QTL linkage experiments, optimum spacing may be rather narrow. It is noteworthy that when marginal costs of additional markers or individuals are constant, total resources allocated to a given experiment will determine total number of individuals sampled, but not the optimal marker spacing.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amos CI, Elston RC (1989) Robust methods for the detection of genetic linkage for quantitative data from pedigrees. Genet Epidemiol 6:349–360
Beckmann JS, Soller M (1983) Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in genetic improvement methodologies, mapping and costs. Theor Appl Genet 67:35–43
Beckmann JS, Soller M (1990) Toward a unified approach to genetic mapping of eukaryotes based on sequence tagged microsatellite sites. Bio/Technology 8:930–933
Beever JS, George PD, Fernando RL, Stormont CJ, Lewin HA (1990) Association between genetic markers and growth and carcass traits in a paternal half-sib family of Angus cattle. J Anim Sci 68:337–344
Blackwelder WC, Elston RC (1985) A comparison of Sib-Pair linkage tests for diseases susceptibility loci. Genet Epidemiol 2:85–97
Botstein E, White RL, Skolnich M, Davis RW (1980) Construction of a genetic linkage map in man using restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Am J Hum Genet 32:314–331
Cockerham CC, Weir BS (1983) Linkage between a marker locus and a quantitative trait of sibs. Am J Hum Genet 35:263–273
Darvasi A, Soller M (1992) Selective genotyping for determination of linkage between a marker locus and a quantitative trait locus. Theor Appl Genet 85:353–359
Darvasi A, Weinreb A, Minke V, Weller JI, Soller M (1993) Detecting marker-QTL linkage and estimating QTL gene effect and map location using a saturated genetic map. Genetics 134:943–951
Edwards MD, Stuber CW, Wendel JF (1987) Molecular-marker facilitated investigation of quantitative trait loci in maize. I. Numbers, genomic distribution and types of gene action. Genetics 116:113–125
Geldermann H, Peiper U, Roth B (1985) Effects of marked chromosome section on milk performance in cattle. Theor Appl Genet 70:138–146
Gonyon DS, Mather RE, Hines HC, Haenlein GFW, Arave CW, Gaun SN (1987) Association of bovine blood and milk polymorphisms with lactation traits: Holsteins. J Dairy Sci 70:2599–2609
Haldane JBS (1919) The combination of linkage values and the calculation of distance between the loci of linked factors. J Genet 8:299–309
Haldane JBS, Waddington CH (1931) Inbreeding and linkage. Genetics 16:357–374
Haley CS, Knott SA (1992) A simple regression method for mapping quantitative loci in line crosses using flanking markers. Heredity 69:315–324
Hill AP (1975) Quantitative Linkage: a statistical procedure for its detection and estimation. Ann Hum Genet 38:439–449
Jensen J (1989) Estimation of recombination parameters between a quantitative trait locus (QTL) and two marker loci. Theor Appl Genet 78:613–618
Kahler AL, Wehrhahn CF (1986) Associations between quantitative traits and enzyme loci in the F2 population of a maize hybrid. Theor Appl Genet 72:15–26
Kemp S (1992) Report on ILRAD work on the genetics of Trypanotolerance. In: Proc FAO Expert Consultation Genet Aspects Trypanotolerance. FAO, Rome pp 122–125
Knapp SJ (1991) Using molecular markers to map multiple quantitative trait loci: models for backcross, recombinant inbred, and doubled haploid progeny. Theor Appl Genet 81:333–338
Knapp SJ, Bridges WC, Birkes D (1990) Mapping quantitative trait loci using molecular marker linkage map. Theor Appl Genet 79:583–592
Lander ES, Botstein D (1989) Mapping Mendelian factors underlying quantitative traits using RFLP linkage maps. Genetics 121:185–199
Penrose GS (1938) Genetic linkage in graded human characters. Ann Eugenics 8:223–237
Soller M (1992) The evidence for and potential for identification of major single genes effects in trypanotolerant livestock. In: Proc FAO Expert Consultation Genet Aspects Trypanotolerance. FAO, Rome pp 44–76
Soller M, Beckmann JS (1990) Marker-based mapping of quantitative trait loci using replicated progenies. Theor Appl Genet 80:205–208
Soller M, Genizi A (1978) The efficiency of experimental designs for the detection of linkage between a marker locus and a locus affecting a quantitative trait in segregating populations. Biometrics 34:47–55
Soller M, Genizi A, Brody T (1976) On the power of experimental designs for the detection of linkage between marker loci and quantitative loci in a cross between inbred lines. Theor Appl Genet 47:35–39
Van Ooijen JW (1992) Accuracy of mapping quantitative trait loci in autogamous species. Theor Appl Genet 84:803–811
Weller JI (1987) Mapping and analysis of quantitative trait loci in Lycopersicon (tomato) with the aid of genetic markers using approximate maximum likelihood methods. Heredity 59:413–421
Weller JI, Soller M, Brody T (1988) Linkage analysis of quantitative traits in an interspecific cross Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum x Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium) by means of genetic markers. Genetics 118:329–339
Weller JI, Kashi Y, Soller M (1990) Power of “daughter” and “grand-daughter” designs for mapping of quantitative traits in dairy cattle using genetic markers. J Dairy Sci 73:2525–2532
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by A. L. Kahler
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Darvasi, A., Soller, M. Optimum spacing of genetic markers for determining linkage between marker loci and quantitative trait loci. Theoret. Appl. Genetics 89, 351–357 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00225166
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00225166