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The role of epistasis in quantitative traits is controversial. This Review argues that findings from studies of these traits are consistent with pervasive epistasis and discusses how experimental designs in model organisms are used to uncover the underlying genetic interactions.
Our knowledge of the diverse types and roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is rapidly increasing. This Review discusses our latest understanding of lncRNAs that have validated functional roles in various differentiation and developmental processes.
Complex organismal traits, including diseases, are controlled by intricate interactions between multiple genes, intermediate molecular and cellular phenotypes, and environmental influences. This Review describes how systems genetics integrates these layers of information to provide a cohesive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of complex traits.
Bacterial whole-genome sequencing is showing promise in clinical applications. Here, the authors present their opinions on what the main bioinformatic challenges are in transferring bacterial whole-genome sequencing to medical diagnostics.
The recent improvement in technologies to identify genetic variants linked with quantitative traits has allowed the identification of variants that are associated with crop domestication. This Review considers these approaches and their application to the study of crop domestication.
Antisense transcription is increasingly being recognized as an important regulator of gene expression across all kingdoms of life and through a range of regulatory modes. Antisense transcripts are also emerging as facilitators of rapid evolution of gene regulation.