RNA-seq based analysis of population structure within the maize inbred B73

B73 is a variety of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) widely used in genetic, genomic, and phenotypic research around the world. B73 was also served as the reference genotype for the original maize genome sequencing project. The advent of large-scale RNA-sequencing as a method of measuring gene expression presents a unique opportunity to assess the level of relatedness among individuals identified as variety B73. The level of haplotype conservation and divergence across the genome were assessed using 27 RNA-seq data sets from 20 independent research groups in three countries. Several clearly distinct clades were identified among putatively B73 samples. A number of these blocks were defined by the presence of clearly defined genomic blocks containing a haplotype which did not match the published B73 reference genome. In a number of cases the relationship among B73 samples generated by different research groups recapitulated mentor/mentee relationships within the maize genetics community. A number of regions with distinct, dissimilar, haplotypes were identified in our study. However, when considering the age of the B73 accession – greater than 40 years – and the challenges of maintaining isogenic lines of a naturally outcrossing species, a strikingly high overall level of conservation was exhibited among B73 samples from around the globe.