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Reference.org
Expression quantitative trait loci
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<p>An expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) is a type of <a href="/facts/Quantitative_trait_locus/ztEdNEJg">quantitative trait locus</a> (QTL), a genomic <a href="/facts/Locus_(genetics)/JcIT8wLm">locus</a> (region of DNA) that is associated with <a href="/facts/Phenotype/vxWXKGLj">phenotypic</a> variation for a specific, quantifiable <a href="/facts/Phenotypic_trait/seYSUTul">trait</a>. While the term QTL can refer to a wide range of phenotypic traits, the more specific eQTL refers to traits measured by <a href="/facts/Gene_expression/alCPohLR">gene expression</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Messenger_RNA/oUL6qxQn">mRNA levels</a>. Although named "expression QTLs", not all measures of gene expression can be used for eQTLs. For example, traits quantified by protein levels are instead referred to as protein QTLs (pQTLs). </p>