Originally published as Genetics Published Articles Ahead of Print on October 18, 2007.

Genetics, Vol. 177, 1851-1858, November 2007, Copyright © 2007
doi:10.1534/genetics.107.080622

Using Crossover Breakpoints in Recombinant Inbred Lines to Identify Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling the Global Recombination Frequency

* Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany, {dagger} Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and {ddagger} Institute for Genomic Diversity, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 and § United States Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, New York 14853

2 Corresponding author: Institute for Genomic Diversity, Cornell University, 159 Biotechnology Bldg., Ithaca, NY 14853-2703.
E-mail: esb33{at}cornell.edu

Recombination is a crucial component of evolution and breeding, producing new genetic combinations on which selection can act. Rates of recombination vary tremendously, not only between species but also within species and for specific chromosomal segments. In this study, by examining recombination events captured in recombinant inbred mapping populations previously created for maize, wheat, Arabidopsis, and mouse, we demonstrate that substantial variation exists for genomewide crossover rates in both outcrossed and inbred plant and animal species. We also identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control this variation. The method that we developed and employed here holds promise for elucidating factors that regulate meiotic recombination and for creation of hyperrecombinogenic lines, which can help overcome limited recombination that hampers breeding progress.




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