Funmap2

Funmap2 is an R package designed for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Its specific focus is on analyzing the genetic architecture of phenotypic traits through longitudinal data analysis. This approach is particularly beneficial for mapping the developmental genetic architecture of complex traits, enabling researchers to understand how genetic factors influence traits over time.

Built on the functional mapping framework, Funmap2 differentiates itself by incorporating prior biological knowledge into its statistical models. This integration is crucial for accurately modeling the dynamic relationships between genotypes and phenotypes across different developmental stages. The package is engineered to include longitudinal curves that describe the genetic effects on the trait of interest over time and the covariance matrix that represents the interrelationships among the trait measurements.

One of the key features of Funmap2 is its ability to automatically choose the type of longitudinal curve and covariance matrix best suited for the data analysis. It does this using information criteria, ensuring that the statistical model is appropriate for the data at hand and grounded in biological reality.