National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
Nat Commun. 2023 Aug 26;14(1):5232. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41022-1.
Genetic dissection of agronomic traits is important for crop improvement and global food security. Phenotypic variation of tassel branch number (TBN), a major breeding target, is controlled by many quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The lack of large-scale QTL cloning methodology constrains the systematic dissection of TBN, which hinders modern maize breeding. Here, we devise QTG-Miner, a multi-omics data-based technique for large-scale and rapid cloning of quantitative trait genes (QTGs) in maize. Using QTG-Miner, we clone and verify seven genes underlying seven TBN QTLs. Compared to conventional methods, QTG-Miner performs well for both major- and minor-effect TBN QTLs. Selection analysis indicates that a substantial number of genes and network modules have been subjected to selection during maize improvement. Selection signatures are significantly enriched in multiple biological pathways between female heterotic groups and male heterotic groups. In summary, QTG-Miner provides a large-scale approach for rapid cloning of QTGs in crops and dissects the genetic base of TBN for further maize breeding.
遗传剖析农艺性状对作物改良和全球粮食安全至关重要。穗枝数（TBN）是一个主要的育种目标，其表型变异受许多数量性状位点（QTL）控制。缺乏大规模的 QTL 克隆方法学限制了 TBN 的系统剖析，从而阻碍了现代玉米育种。在这里，我们设计了 QTG-Miner，这是一种基于多组学数据的技术，可用于大规模和快速克隆玉米中的数量性状基因（QTGs）。使用 QTG-Miner，我们克隆并验证了七个 TBN QTL 所对应的七个基因。与传统方法相比，QTG-Miner 对主要和次要 TBN QTL 都具有很好的性能。选择分析表明，在玉米改良过程中，大量基因和网络模块已经受到选择。选择特征在雌性杂种群和雄性杂种群之间的多个生物学途径中显著富集。总之，QTG-Miner 为作物中 QTG 的快速克隆提供了一种大规模的方法，并剖析了 TBN 的遗传基础，以进一步进行玉米育种。
