Lack of Low Frequency Variants Masks Patterns of Non-Neutral Evolution following Domestication
2011

Non-Neutral Evolution in Domesticated Sorghum

Sample size: 35 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Frère Céline H., Prentis Peter J., Gilding Edward K., Mudge Agnieszka M., Cruickshank Alan, Godwin Ian D.

Primary Institution: School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland

Hypothesis

Do certain genes in domesticated Sorghum bicolor show evidence of non-neutral evolution due to domestication?

Conclusion

The study found strong evidence of non-neutral selection at the starch synthase IIa gene in domesticated sorghum.

Supporting Evidence

  • Strong evidence of non-neutral selection was found at the starch synthase IIa gene.
  • The starch branching enzyme I and beta kafirin gene showed weaker evidence of non-neutral selection.
  • The absence of low frequency variants confounded the detection of consistent signals of non-neutral selection.

Takeaway

Scientists looked at some genes in sorghum to see if they changed because of farming. They found that one gene changed a lot, which helps us understand how we can improve crops.

Methodology

The study sequenced six candidate loci in 35 accessions of Sorghum bicolor to test for non-neutral evolution.

Limitations

The absence of low frequency variants at several candidate genes confounded the detection of consistent signals of non-neutral selection.

Participant Demographics

The study included 35 accessions of Sorghum bicolor from various countries.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023041

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