Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Characterising functionally important and ecologically meaningful genetic diversity using a candidate gene approach
Stuart B Piertney1, Lucy M I Webster
1Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK. s.piertney@abdn.ac.uk
Genetica
|September 23, 2008
Summary
Functional genetic markers are crucial for understanding adaptive traits and fitness in wild populations. This research highlights methods for identifying functional genetic diversity and its impact on population management and evolutionary processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Historically, molecular ecology and population genetics relied on neutral DNA markers to study genetic variation.
- Recent advances in functional genomics have renewed interest in functionally important genetic variation linked to adaptive traits.
- Identifying functional genetic diversity in non-model species presents challenges but offers insights into phenotype and fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe research strategies for isolating and characterizing functional genetic diversity at candidate gene loci.
- To illustrate these approaches using studies on red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus).
- To review the application of candidate gene markers in population management, selection analysis, and fitness studies.
Main Methods:
- Gene-targeted candidate loci approaches for isolating functional genetic variation.
- Utilizing red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) as a model system.
- Reviewing existing literature on candidate gene marker applications.
Main Results:
- Candidate gene markers can quantify genetic diversity, identifying populations needing conservation.
- These markers reveal the strength and mode of natural selection acting on individuals.
- Functional genetic variation at single genes is linked to individual fitness.
Conclusions:
- Candidate gene approaches are effective for studying functional genetic diversity in natural populations.
- This research provides a framework for applying functional genomics to ecological and evolutionary questions.
- Understanding functional genetic variation is vital for effective conservation and management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is that if two species share a common feature, it is likely encoded by the DNA sequence conserved between both species. The advent of genome sequencing technologies in the late 20th century enabled scientists to understand the concept of conservation of domains between species and helped them to deduce evolutionary relationships across diverse...
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
01:25Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
02:05Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...
In contrast, regions which code...
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...