Associative expression and systems analysis of complex traits in oilseed rape / canola (ASSYST)

该研究将利用来自定义良好的分离型甘蓝型油菜群体的定量基因表达数据，并使用系统遗传学方法将分离转录组数据与定量代谢物和表型数据结合起来，该方法将基因共表达网络分析与表达QTL方法相结合。此外，我们还将开发一个公共的甘蓝型油菜SNP阵列，并将其用于甘蓝型油菜基因型多样性的关联分析。在连锁定位群体中观察到eQTL热点的基因的表达，以及通过基于全球基因表达和激素谱的系统遗传学方法确定为候选基因的表达，将在定量实时PCR设置的基因型多样性中进行检查。然后，该数据将用于关联表达式映射。这项工作最初将集中在幼苗发育性状及其与杂种优势的关系上，作为一个高度复杂的相互作用系统的案例研究，这种系统在遗传学上知之甚少，但在农艺学上极其重要。网络分析工具还将应用于重要种子品质特性的系统分析，以确定涉及油、蛋白质和纤维成分生物合成的关键调节因子。该项目将结合新一代超深转录谱测序领域的最新技术发展，并将整合基因共表达网络分析、经典QTL分析、基因基因组学和关联遗传学概念，以一种迄今尚未用于作物复杂性状功能基因组学的方式。

The study will utilise quantitative gene expression data from well-defined populations of segregating Brassica napus genotypes, and integrate the segregating transcriptome data with quantitative metabolite and phenotype data using a systems-genetics approach that combines an analysis of gene co-expression networks with expression QTL approaches. Furthermore, a public B. napus SNP array will be developed and used for association analyses in a large genotype diversity set of B. napus accessions. The expression of genes (i) for which eQTL hotspots are observed in the linkage mapping populations, and (ii) which are identified as candidates by systems genetics approaches based on global gene expression and hormone profiles, will be examined in the genotype diversity set by quantitative real-time PCR. This data will then be used for associative expression mapping.The work will initially focus on seedling development traits and their relationship to heterosis as a case study for a highly complex interactive system that is genetically very poorly understood, but is agronomically extremely important. The network analysis tools will also be applied for a systems analysis of important seed quality characters to identify key regulatory factors involved in biosynthesis of oil, protein and fibre components. The project will incorporate the most recent technological developments in the field of next-generation sequencing for ultra-deep transcription profiling, and will integrate gene coexpression network analysis, classical QTL analysis, genetical genomics and association genetics concepts in a manner that to date has not been used for functional genomics of complex traits in a crop plant.