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Linkage disequilibrium in wild mice.
Cathy C Laurie1, Deborah A Nickerson, Amy D Anderson
1Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Plos Genetics
|August 29, 2007
Summary
Wild mice from Arizona offer a promising new tool for genetic research. Their rapid decay of linkage disequilibrium (LD) allows for fine-scale mapping of genes underlying complex traits, overcoming limitations of laboratory mouse models.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Population Genetics
- Genomic Mapping
Background:
- Laboratory mouse crosses are vital for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for complex human diseases.
- Identifying causative genes for these QTLs is challenging due to extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD) in laboratory populations.
- Current methods like association studies with inbred lines offer interval reduction but lack single-gene resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic structure of a wild Arizona mouse population.
- To assess its suitability for fine-scale LD mapping and association studies.
- To explore wild mice as a tool for identifying genes influencing complex traits.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic variation within the wild Arizona mouse population.
- Assessment of population structure and inbreeding patterns.
- Measurement of linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay with physical distance.
Main Results:
- Arizona mice exhibit high genetic variation, encompassing much of the variation found in laboratory strains.
- Evidence of local inbreeding was observed, but stable population structure across the study area was absent.
- LD decays rapidly with distance, similar to human populations and significantly faster than in laboratory mice.
- Strong associations were localized to markers <100 kb apart, enabling fine-scale mapping.
Conclusions:
- Wild Arizona mice possess favorable genetic characteristics for fine-scale association mapping.
- Their rapid LD decay facilitates the identification of genes underlying complex traits.
- Wild mouse populations represent a valuable resource for genetic research, complementing laboratory models.
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