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Genome-wide recombination map construction from single sperm sequencing in cattle
Liu Yang1,2, Yahui Gao1,3, Mingxun Li4
1Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
BMC Genomics
|March 6, 2022
Summary
This study mapped cattle sperm genome recombination events, finding they concentrate near chromosome ends. This pattern is intrinsic to meiosis and offers insights into livestock genome diversity and male infertility.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Reproductive Biology
- Livestock Science
Background:
- Meiotic recombination is crucial for gamete genome diversity.
- Recombination is understudied in livestock, unlike humans and model organisms.
- Understanding cattle recombination is vital for agricultural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of meiotic recombination events in the cattle sperm genome.
- To analyze high-resolution recombination patterns in Holstein bulls.
- To establish a foundation for future livestock genome studies.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 143 single cattle sperms.
- High-resolution mapping of meiotic recombination events using phased heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
- Validation using family trio sequencing and prior cattle recombination studies.
Main Results:
- Recombination events in cattle sperm are enriched near distal chromosomal ends.
- This distribution pattern is intrinsic to the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, independent of fertilization selection.
- Detailed mapping of recombination hotspots and coldspots in the cattle genome.
Conclusions:
- This is the first large-scale single sperm whole-genome sequencing in livestock.
- Provides valuable data for studying recombination, genome instability, and male infertility in cattle.
- Advances understanding of meiotic processes in non-model organisms.
