BioMercator

BioMercator performs QTL meta-analysis and compiles consensus genetic maps by integrating genes, QTLs, and other loci from multiple sources to identify genomic regions underlying trait variation.

Key Features:

• Automated Map Compilation: Integration of multiple genetic maps to compile consensus maps that incorporate genes, QTLs, and other relevant loci.
• QTL Meta-Analysis: Statistical meta-analysis to evaluate QTL co-locations and determine whether QTLs from independent experiments represent a single locus or multiple loci.
• Visualization of Sequence and Genome Annotations: Visualization of large datasets including sequence and genome annotations and display of functional annotations related to QTLs and meta-QTLs.

Scientific Applications:

• Breeding Program Analysis: Integration of genomic information with QTL analysis to investigate the genetic architecture of traits in crop and animal breeding programs.
• Candidate Gene and Locus Identification: Identification of genomic sequences and candidate genes associated with trait variation through consensus maps and co-location analysis.
• Cross-study QTL Comparison: Determination of whether QTLs detected in independent experiments colocalize and represent the same genetic locus or multiple loci.

Methodology:

Automated integration of genetic data from multiple maps to compile consensus maps; statistical meta-analysis of QTLs to assess co-locations and infer locus number; visualization of sequence/genome annotations and functional annotations for QTLs and meta-QTLs.