A new way to study genetic variation in insects

We are developing a novel method to detect and analyze genetic variation that we refer to as Sequencing Individuals in Reduced Representation Libraries or SIRRL. Briefly, genomic DNA from individual insects is digested using restriction enzymes and tagged by the addition of barcoded adaptors. Samples are then pooled and a defined fraction of the restriction fragments are sequenced using second-generation technology. In principle, SIRRL can provide hundreds of sequence-characterized, co-dominant genetic markers without the need for preliminary marker development or issues of ascertainment bias.