Mackay, I. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2019

Origin Specific Genomic Selection: a simple process to optimize the favourable contribution of parents to progeny

Modern crop breeding is in constant demand for new genetic diversity as part of the arms race with genetic gain. The elite gene pool has limited genetic variation and breeders are trying to introduce novelty from unadapted germplasm, landraces and wild relatives. For polygenic traits, currently available approaches to introgression are not ideal, as there is a demonstrable bias against exotic alleles during selection. Here, we propose a partitioned form of genomic selection, called Origin Specific Genomic Selection (OSGS), where we identify and target selection on favourable exotic alleles. Briefly, within a population derived from a bi-parental cross, we isolate alleles originating from the elite and exotic parents, which then allows us to separate out the predicted marker effects based on the allele origins. We validated the usefulness of OSGS using two nested association mapping (NAM) datasets: barley NAM (elite-exotic) and maize NAM (elite-elite), as well as by computer simulation. Our results suggest that OSGS works well in bi-parental crosses, and it is possible to extend the approach to broader multi-parental populations.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2019

cis dominantly explains regulatory divergence between two indica rice genotypes; drought further enhances regulatory differences

Abstract cis and/or trans regulatory divergence within or between related taxa on a genome-wide scale has been largely unexamined in crops, more so, the effect of stress on cis/trans architecture. In this study, the indica genotypes IR64, an elite drought-susceptible lowland variety, and Apo (IR55423-01 or NSIC RC9), a moderate drought-tolerant upland genotype together with their hybrid (IR64 x Apo) were exposed to non- and water-stress conditions. Evidence of cis and/or trans regulatory differences was tested between these two indica rice genotypes. By sequencing (RNA-seq) the parents and their hybrid, we are able to map genes diverging in cis and/or trans factors between the two genotypes. Under non-stress conditions, cis dominantly explains (11.2%) regulatory differences, followed by trans (8.9%). Further analysis showed that water-limiting conditions largely affect trans and cis + trans factors. Between the two inbred lines, Apo appears to exhibit higher expression fold change of genes enriched in "response to stress" and "photosynthesis" under non- and water-stress conditions. On the molecular level, cis and/or trans regulatory divergence explains their genotypic differences and differential drought response. Parent-hybrid RNA-seq has the potential to identify genes diverging in cis and/or trans factors even between intra-sub-specifically related genotypes. By comparing cis/trans landscape under stressed and unstressed conditions, this approach has the ability to assess the impact of drought on gene expression. Computational analysis and association of several drought-yield QTL markers with cis-diverging genes provide converging evidences suggestive of a potential approach to identify trait-associated candidate genes using hybrids and their parents alone. Key Messagecis dominantly explains divergence of two indica rice genotypes, IR64 and Apo under normal conditions while trans and cis + trans regulatory factors are largely affected by drought

plant biology↗