Fine mapping of QTL and genomic prediction using allele-specific expression SNPs demonstrates that the complex trait of genetic resistance to Marek’s disease is predominantly determined by transcriptional regulation

摘要

BackgroundMarek’s disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease of poultry induced by Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus. Identifying the underlying genes conferring MD genetic resistance is desired for more efficacious control measures including genomic selection, which requires accurately identified genetic markers throughout the chicken genome.