Key considerations for measuring allelic expression on a genomic scale using high-throughput sequencing

Citation:

Fontanillas, P, CR Landry, PJ Wittkopp, C Russ, JD Gruber, C Nusbaum, and DL Hartl. 2010. “Key considerations for measuring allelic expression on a genomic scale using high-throughput sequencing.” Mol Ecol 19 Suppl 1: 212-27.

Date Published:

Mar

Abstract:

Differences in gene expression are thought to be an important source of phenotypic diversity, so dissecting the genetic components of natural variation in gene expression is important for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that lead to adaptation. Gene expression is a complex trait that, in diploid organisms, results from transcription of both maternal and paternal alleles. Directly measuring allelic expression rather than total gene expression offers greater insight into regulatory variation. The recent emergence of high-throughput sequencing offers an unprecedented opportunity to study allelic transcription at a genomic scale for virtually any species. By sequencing transcript pools derived from heterozygous individuals, estimates of allelic expression can be directly obtained. The statistical power of this approach is influenced by the number of transcripts sequenced and the ability to unambiguously assign individual sequence fragments to specific alleles on the basis of transcribed nucleotide polymorphisms. Here, using mathematical modelling and computer simulations, we determine the minimum sequencing depth required to accurately measure relative allelic expression and detect allelic imbalance via high-throughput sequencing under a variety of conditions. We conclude that, within a species, a minimum of 500-1000 sequencing reads per gene are needed to test for allelic imbalance, and consequently, at least five to 10 millions reads are required for studying a genome expressing 10 000 genes. Finally, using 454 sequencing, we illustrate an application of allelic expression by testing for cis-regulatory divergence between closely related Drosophila species.

Notes:

Fontanillas, PierreLandry, Christian RWittkopp, Patricia JRuss, CarstenGruber, Jonathan DNusbaum, ChadHartl, Daniel LengGM065169/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/GM068465/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/R01 GM084236/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/R01 GM084236-03/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.England2010/04/02 06:00Mol Ecol. 2010 Mar;19 Suppl 1:212-27. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04472.x.

Last updated on 05/12/2015