Dataset Information

Genetic architecture of wood properties based on association analysis and co-expression networks in white spruce.

ABSTRACT: Association studies are widely utilized to analyze complex traits but their ability to disclose genetic architectures is often limited by statistical constraints, and functional insights are usually minimal in nonmodel organisms like forest trees. We developed an approach to integrate association mapping results with co-expression networks. We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2652 candidate genes for statistical associations with wood density, stiffness, microfibril angle and ring width in a population of 1694 white spruce trees (Picea glauca). Associations mapping identified 229-292 genes per wood trait using a statistical significance level of P < 0.05 to maximize discovery. Over-representation of genes associated for nearly all traits was found in a xylem preferential co-expression group developed in independent experiments. A xylem co-expression network was reconstructed with 180 wood associated genes and several known MYB and NAC regulators were identified as network hubs. The network revealed a link between the gene PgNAC8, wood stiffness and microfibril angle, as well as considerable within-season variation for both genetic control of wood traits and gene expression. Trait associations were distributed throughout the network suggesting complex interactions and pleiotropic effects. Our findings indicate that integration of association mapping and co-expression networks enhances our understanding of complex wood traits.

SUBMITTER: Lamara M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5063130 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Genetic architecture of wood properties based on association analysis and co-expression networks in white spruce.

Lamara Mebarek M Raherison Elie E Lenz Patrick P Beaulieu Jean J Bousquet Jean J MacKay John J

The New phytologist 20151130 1

Association studies are widely utilized to analyze complex traits but their ability to disclose genetic architectures is often limited by statistical constraints, and functional insights are usually minimal in nonmodel organisms like forest trees. We developed an approach to integrate association mapping results with co-expression networks. We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2652 candidate genes for statistical associations with wood density, stiffness, microfibril angle and rin ...[more]

PMID: 26619072

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Project description:Drought frequency and intensity are projected to increase with climate change, thus amplifying stress on forest trees. Resilience to drought implicates physiological traits such as xylem conductivity and wood anatomical traits, which are related to growth and wood density. Integrating drought-stress response traits at the juvenile stage into breeding criteria could help promote the survival of planted seedlings under current and future climate and thus, improve plantation success. We assessed in greenhouse the influence of drought-induced stress on 600 two-year-old white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings from 25 clonal lines after two consecutive growing seasons. Three levels of drought-induced stress were applied: control, moderate and severe. Seedlings were also planted at a 45° angle to clearly separate compression from normal wood. We looked at the phenotypic and genetic effects of drought stress on xylem specific hydraulic conductivity, lumen diameter, tracheid diameter and length, and the number of pits per tracheid in the normal wood. We detected no significant effects of drought stress except for tracheid length, which decreased with increasing drought stress. We found low to high estimates of trait heritability, which generally decreased with increasing drought stress. Genetic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations for all treatments. Specific conductivity was genetically highly correlated positively with lumen diameter and tracheid length under all treatments. Tracheid length and diameter were always negatively correlated genetically, indicating a trade-off in resource allocation. Moderate to high genetic correlations sometimes in opposite direction were observed between physico-anatomical and productivity traits, also indicating trade-offs. A large variation was observed among clones for all physico-anatomical traits, but clonal ranks were generally stable between control and drought-induced treatments. Our results indicate the possibility of early screening of genetic material for desirable wood anatomical attributes under normal growing conditions, thus allowing to improve the drought resilience of young trees.

Dataset Information

Genetic architecture of wood properties based on association analysis and co-expression networks in white spruce.

Publications

Genetic architecture of wood properties based on association analysis and co-expression networks in white spruce.

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