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Wild GWAS-association mapping in natural populations
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|May 22, 2018
Summary
Genomic association studies in wild populations are advancing evolutionary insights. Researchers are overcoming challenges in wild genome-wide association scans (GWAS) to understand adaptation and selection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Ecology
- Evolutionary Genetics
Background:
- Advances in sequencing and genotyping have revolutionized molecular ecology.
- Association analysis links marker variants to trait variation in wild populations.
Discussion:
- Gene mapping studies predict evolutionary potential and adaptation to environmental change.
- These studies reveal evolutionary processes maintaining natural variation.
- Understanding genotype-by-environment and epistatic interactions is crucial.
Key Insights:
- Wild genome-wide association scans (GWAS) identify genomic regions influencing phenotypic differences.
- GWAS tracks allele frequency changes at selected loci.
- Methodological challenges in natural populations, particularly population structure, are being addressed.
Outlook:
- This special issue highlights methodological advances and applications of association mapping in natural populations.
- Guidelines are provided for future "wild GWAS" research.
- Future studies will enhance our understanding of adaptation and evolution in the wild.
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