Multi-trait GWAS using imputed high-density genotypes from whole-genome sequencing identifies genes associated with body traits in Nile tilapia

Abstract Background Body traits are generally controlled by several genes in vertebrates (i.e. polygenes), which turn make them difficult to identify through association mapping. Increasing the power of studies combining approaches such as genotype imputation and multi-trait analysis improves ability detect quantitative trait loci associated with polygenic traits, body traits. Results A genome-wide study (mtGWAS) was performed (QTL) Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) using genotypes imputed whole-genome sequences (WGS). To increase statistical mtGWAS for detection genetic associations, summary statistics from single-trait (stGWAS) eight different recorded 1309 animals were used. The increased original sample size 13 44%, depending on analyzed. better resolution WGS data, combined approach, allowed significant markers not previously found stGWAS. Some lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within important functional candidate growth-related other terrestrial species. For instance, we identified SNP ?1,6-fucosyltransferase FUT8 ), solute carrier family 4 member 2 SLC4A2 disintegrin metalloproteinase thrombospondin motifs 9 ADAMTS9 heart development protein EGF like domains 1 HEG1 genes, have been average daily gain sheep, osteopetrosis cattle, chest goats, growth meat quality respectively. Conclusions high-resolution presented here identification SNPs, linked strong tilapia. These results provide further insights about variants underlying variation cichlid fish high accuracy support.