A quantitative trait loci analysis of zinc hyperaccumulation in Arabidopsis halleri.
The mechanisms of metal hyperaccumulation are still not understood, so we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulation in Arabidopsis halleri, in a cross between this and its sister species, A. petraea, in order to determine the number and approximate location of the genomic regions significantly contributing to this adaptation. An F2 cross between the two species was made, and the leaf Zn concentration of 92 individuals was measured at both low (10 microm) and high (100 microm) Zn concentrations. Twenty-five markers were established that were distributed on all of the eight chromosomes. Mapping of the markers established that they were essentially collinear with previous studies. QTLs exceeding a logarithm to the base 10 of the odds (LOD) value of 3 were found on chromosomes 4 (low Zn), 6 (high Zn) and 7 (both high and low Zn). Evidence for a QTL on chromosome 3 (low Zn) was also found. This analysis validates a previously used method of QTL analysis, based on microarray analysis of segregating families. Genes that have altered during the evolution of this character should also be QTL: this analysis calls into question a number of candidate genes from consideration as such primary genes because they do not appear to be associated with QTLs.
Filatov
Victor
V
School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4PS, UK.
Dowdle
John
J
School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4PS, UK.
Smirnoff
Nicholas
N
School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4PS, UK.
Ford-Lloyd
Brian
B
School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Newbury
H John
HJ
School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Macnair
Mark R
MR
School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4PS, UK.
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D032461:Chromosomes, Plant; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D005819:Genetic Markers; D010641:Phenotype; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D005819:Genetic Markers; D015032:Zinc