Chasing the Genetics of Ascites with VNTRs, SNPs and CNVs

Our collaborative consortium has been pursuing the underlying genetics of ascites in broilers using genome wide association studies (GWAS) and experimental research lines developed at the University of Arkansas. Originally we used GWAS on an F2 cross of the ascites resistant and susceptible lines to identify two regions on chromosome 9 associated with female susceptibility. More recently, GWAS on two different generations of the unselected, relaxed line identified regions on chromosome 2 and Z. The regions on chromosome 9 have been pursued further in experimental and commercial broiler lines using VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers for association studies with conflicting results. Work on the chromosome 2 and Z regions are still ongoing. None of the four regions has so far demonstrated to contain a major gene contributing to ascites. More recently we have begun a comprehensive survey of CNV (copy number variation) contributing to ascites phenotype in the relaxed line. The most recent findings in SNP and CNV mapping will be the subject of this presentation.