Novel Approach for Assessing Microsatellite variation Genome Wide

Microsatellite variation can alter gene regulation and protein function, thereby leading to changes in phenotypes. We hypothesize that variation in the length of microsatellites contributes to the heritability of complex diseases and other traits. To test this hypothesis we will use Molecular Inversion Probes (MIPs) and third generation sequencing to characterize microsatellite variation across 96 divergent strains of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. These strains were collected at diverse geographic locations, and differ in many fitness-relevant traits such as flowering times and disease resistance. Our next generation sequencing results with be verified by the use of PCR, gel electrophoresis, and traditional Sanger sequencing. If successful, our novel approach will enable the assessment of microsatellite variation genome-wide across many different strains and individuals.