[Integrating genetic and gene expression data: methods and applications of eQTL mapping].
The availability of high-throughput genotyping technologies and microarray assays has allowed researchers to investigate genetic variations that influence levels of gene expression. Expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) mapping methods have been used to identify the genetic basis of gene expression. Similar to traditional QTL studies, the main goal of eQTL is to identify the genomic locations to which the expression traits are linked. Although microarrays provide the expression data of thousands of transcripts, standard QTL mapping methods, which are able to handle at most tens of traits, cannot be applied directly. As a result, it is necessary to consider the statistical principles involved in the design and analysis of these experiments. In this paper, we reviewed individual selection, experimental design of microarray, normalization of gene expression data, mapping methods, and explaining of results and proposed potential methodological problems for such analyses. Finally, we discussed the applications of this integrative genomic approach to estimate heritability of transcripts, identify candidate genes, construct gene networks, and understand interactions between genes, genes and environments.
Liu
Gang
G
Department of Plant Genetics & Breeding and State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), Beijing 100193, China.
Peng
Hui-Ru
HR
Ni
Zhong-Fu
ZF
Qin
Dan-Dan
DD
Song
Fang-Wei
FW
Song
Guang-Shu
GS
Sun
Qi-Xin
QX
D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D051379:Mice; D008957:Models, Genetic; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology