A high-density genetic map construction and sex-related loci identification in Chinese Giant salamander

BackgroundThe Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus is an important amphibian species in China because of its increasing economic value, protection status and special evolutionary position from aquatic to terrestrial animal. Its large genome presents challenges to genetic research. Genetic linkage mapping is an important tool for genome assembly and determination of phenotype-related loci.ResultsIn this study, we constructed a high-density genetic linkage map using ddRAD sequencing technology to obtain SNP genotyping data of members from an full-sib family which sex had been determined. A total of 10,896 markers were grouped and oriented into 30 linkage groups, representing 30 chromosomes of A. davidianus. The genetic length of LGs ranged from 17.61cM (LG30) to 280.81cM (LG1), with a mean inter-locus distance ranging from 0.11(LG3) to 0.48cM (LG26). The total genetic map length was 2643.10cM with an average inter-locus distance of 0.24cM. Three sex-related loci and four sex-related markers were found on LG6 and LG23, respectively.ConclusionWe constructed the first High-density genetic linkage map and identified three sex-related loci in the Chinese giant salamander. Current results are expected to be a useful tool for future genomic studies aiming at the marker-assisted breeding of the species.

Automated summary

A high-density genetic linkage map of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus was constructed using ddRAD sequencing technology, revealing three sex-related loci. This map provides a valuable tool for future genomic studies and marker-assisted breeding efforts for this species.