Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal polygenic architecture for ecologically important traits in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.).

ABSTRACT: Intraspecific genetic variation in foundation species such as aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) shapes their impact on forest structure and function. Identifying genes underlying ecologically important traits is key to understanding that impact. Previous studies, using single-locus genome-wide association (GWA) analyses to identify candidate genes, have identified fewer genes than anticipated for highly heritable quantitative traits. Mounting evidence suggests that polygenic control of quantitative traits is largely responsible for this "missing heritability" phenomenon. Our research characterized the genetic architecture of 30 ecologically important traits using a common garden of aspen through genomic and transcriptomic analyses. A multilocus association model revealed that most

SUBMITTER: Riehl JFL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10534199 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature