QTL mapping and multi-omics identify candidate genes for protein and oil in soybean

QTL mapping, BSA-seq, and RNA-seq revealed key QTL/genes of protein and oil, some of which were aligned with previous QTLs. EMS-mutations and SoyGVD were applied to validate function of candidate genes. Protein and oil are the two principal economic components of soybean seed. Although several related genes regulating soybean protein and oil accumulation have been reported, the regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was employed using four generations derived from a cross between Changjiangchun 2 (high protein and oil content) and Yushuxian 2 (low protein and oil content), resulting in the detection of 37 QTLs, including 16 QTLs for protein content and 21 QTLs for oil content. BSA-seq was performed on two parents and two offspring extreme pools from F₂ population individuals. Two QTLs, qOIL1.2 and qPRO14.1, were found to overlap with the BSA-seq mapping interval, in which eight genes exhibited single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or insertion/deletion (InDel) variations within their coding sequences (CDS). RNA-seq was performed on seeds collected at 20, 30, and 40 days after-pollination (DAP) from two extreme pools of F_2:3 population individuals. A total of 199 deferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained within the QTLs regions. In conjunction with previous research, 10 protein and four oil QTLs intervals were aligned with previously identified QTLs. Notably, based on EMS-induced mutation lines and SoyGVD database, 12 potential candidate genes were screened out and preliminary validated the function for oil and protein in soybeans. These findings lay the groundwork for further research into candidate genes and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in soybean breeding to enhance seed protein and oil content.