Genome wide allele frequency fingerprints (GWAFFs) of populations via genotyping by sequencing

PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e57438. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057438. Epub 2013 Mar 4.

Abstract

Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) is an excellent tool for characterising genetic variation between plant genomes. To date, its use has been reported only for genotyping of single individuals. However, there are many applications where resolving allele frequencies within populations on a genome-wide scale would be very powerful, examples include the breeding of outbreeding species, varietal protection in outbreeding species, monitoring changes in population allele frequencies. This motivated us to test the potential to use GBS to evaluate allele frequencies within populations. Perennial ryegrass is an outbreeding species, and breeding programs are based upon selection on populations. We tested two restriction enzymes for their efficiency in complexity reduction of the perennial ryegrass genome. The resulting profiles have been termed Genome Wide Allele Frequency Fingerprints (GWAFFs), and we have shown how these fingerprints can be used to distinguish between plant populations. Even at current costs and throughput, using sequencing to directly evaluate populations on a genome-wide scale is viable. GWAFFs should find many applications, from varietal development in outbreeding species right through to playing a role in protecting plant breeders' rights.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breeding
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • DNA Fingerprinting / methods*
  • Gene Frequency*
  • Genome, Plant*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype*
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Lolium / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Danish Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (Grant number 3412-09-02602). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.