Fast genetic mapping of complex traits in C. elegans using millions of individuals in bulk

Nat Commun. 2019 Jun 18;10(1):2680. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10636-9.

Abstract

Genetic studies of complex traits in animals have been hindered by the need to generate, maintain, and phenotype large panels of recombinant lines. We developed a new method, C. elegans eXtreme Quantitative Trait Locus (ceX-QTL) mapping, that overcomes this obstacle via bulk selection on millions of unique recombinant individuals. We use ceX-QTL to map a drug resistance locus with high resolution. We also map differences in gene expression in live worms and discovered that mutations in the co-chaperone sti-1 upregulate the transcription of HSP-90. Lastly, we use ceX-QTL to map loci that influence fitness genome-wide confirming previously reported causal variants and uncovering new fitness loci. ceX-QTL is fast, powerful and cost-effective, and will accelerate the study of complex traits in animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Chromosome Mapping / economics
  • Chromosome Mapping / methods*
  • Drug Resistance / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Genetic Fitness / genetics*
  • Male
  • Quantitative Trait Loci / genetics*
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Time Factors