Combining experimental evolution with next-generation sequencing: a powerful tool to study adaptation from standing genetic variation

Heredity (Edinb). 2015 May;114(5):431-40. doi: 10.1038/hdy.2014.86. Epub 2014 Oct 1.

Abstract

Evolve and resequence (E&R) is a new approach to investigate the genomic responses to selection during experimental evolution. By using whole genome sequencing of pools of individuals (Pool-Seq), this method can identify selected variants in controlled and replicable experimental settings. Reviewing the current state of the field, we show that E&R can be powerful enough to identify causative genes and possibly even single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We also discuss how the experimental design and the complexity of the trait could result in a large number of false positive candidates. We suggest experimental and analytical strategies to maximize the power of E&R to uncover the genotype-phenotype link and serve as an important research tool for a broad range of evolutionary questions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genotype
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Research Design