Multiple Interval Mapping for Quantitative Trait Loci via EM Algorithm in the Presence of Crossover Interference
The rapid advance in molecular biology has made feasible systematic studies of mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) in experiment organisms. The method of multiple interval mapping provides an appropriate way for mapping QTL using genetic makers. However, crossover interference has not been considered sufficiently in the current QTL mapping in which no crossover interference is assumed, and the length of maker interval is always kept fixed. In this article, we consider the issue of statistical inference in multiple interval mapping for QTL when crossover interference is present. The marker interval can be chosen appropriately in our method without keeping the maker interval lengths fixed in advance, and the asymptotic variance–covariance matrix of the MLEs is also derived. Two simulations are performed to evaluate the proposed method and show the impact of crossover interference to QTL mapping.