Lep-MAP3: robust linkage mapping even for low-coverage whole genome sequencing data.

Abstract

Accurate and dense linkage maps are useful in family-based linkage and association studies, quantitative trait locus mapping, analysis of genome synteny and other genomic data analyses. Moreover, linkage mapping is one of the best ways to detect errors in de novo genome assemblies, as well as to orient and place assembly contigs within chromosomes. A small mapping cross of tens of individuals will detect many errors where distant parts of the genome are erroneously joined together. With more individuals and markers, even more local errors can be detected and more contigs can be oriented. However, the tools that are currently available for constructing linkage maps are not well suited for large, possible low-coverage, whole genome sequencing datasets.