QTLEMM - QTL Mapping and Hotspots Detection
For QTL mapping, this package comprises several functions
designed to execute diverse tasks, such as simulating or
analyzing data, calculating significance thresholds, and
visualizing QTL mapping results. The single-QTL or multiple-QTL
method, which enables the fitting and comparison of various
statistical models, is employed to analyze the data for
estimating QTL parameters. The models encompass linear
regression, permutation tests, normal mixture models, and
truncated normal mixture models. The Gaussian stochastic
process is utilized to compute significance thresholds for QTL
detection on a genetic linkage map within experimental
populations. Two types of data, complete genotyping, and
selective genotyping data from various experimental
populations, including backcross, F2, recombinant inbred (RI)
populations, and advanced intercrossed (AI) populations, are
considered in the QTL mapping analysis. For QTL hotspot
detection, statistical methods can be developed based on either
utilizing individual-level data or summarized data. We have
proposed a statistical framework capable of handling both
individual-level data and summarized QTL data for QTL hotspot
detection. Our statistical framework can overcome the
underestimation of thresholds resulting from ignoring the
correlation structure among traits. Additionally, it can
identify different types of hotspots with minimal computational
cost during the detection process. Here, we endeavor to furnish
the R codes for our QTL mapping and hotspot detection methods,
intended for general use in genes, genomics, and genetics
studies. The QTL mapping methods for the complete and selective
genotyping designs are based on the multiple interval mapping
(MIM) model proposed by Kao, C.-H. , Z.-B. Zeng and R. D.
Teasdale (1999) <doi: 10.1534/genetics.103.021642> and H.-I
Lee, H.-A. Ho and C.-H. Kao (2014) <doi:
10.1534/genetics.114.168385>, respectively. The QTL hotspot
detection analysis is based on the method by Wu, P.-Y., M.-.H.
Yang, and C.-H. Kao (2021) <doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab056>.