Location: Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-31000-112-008-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2017
End Date: Jun 30, 2021
Objective:
1. Analyze variation in recombination across individuals and ages;
1.1. Construct individual-level recombination maps;
1.2. Estimate parental age effects on recombination rate and location;
2. Examine genetic basis of recombination variation in cattle;
2.1. Map genes and variants associated with recombination features using sequence-based association;
2.2. Characterize PRDM9 alleles and their impacts on recombination;
2.3. Validate pedigree-based recombination maps using single sperm sequencing and typing;
3. Investigate the impacts of recombination on dairy cattle breeding;
3.1. Evaluate correlation between recombination and dairy production and health traits;
3.2. Evaluate the benefits of incorporating recombination as novel quantitative trait into genomic selection scheme.
Approach:
Using a uniquely large cattle database hosted at the USDA, ARS, ARO and UMD scientists propose to construct pedigree-based cattle recombination maps across individuals, sexes, ages and breeds. We plan to identify functional PRDM9 alleles and associate them with recombination rate, hotspot usage and crossover interference. Using single cell sequencing, we will examine recombination activities and compare them to the pedigree-based recombination maps. Finally, we will study the correlation between recombination and dairy traits and evaluate the benefits of incorporating recombination as novel quantitative trait into genomic selection scheme.
