Mapping quantitative traits and strategies to find quantitative trait genes

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Animal Models
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• A 1999 meeting at The Jackson Laboratory highlighted the need for systematic phenotype data collection in inbred mouse strains.
• Laboratory mice possess extensive phenotypic diversity crucial for genetic research.
• Standardized phenotyping protocols are essential for leveraging mouse genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive database of inbred mouse strain phenotypes.
• To facilitate the utilization of mouse genetic resources by the research community.
• To catalogue phenotypic diversity for advancing genetic studies.

Main Methods:

• Initiated with basic physiological, biochemical, and behavioral data collection on nine common inbred strains.
• Expanded data collection to encompass a wider range of phenotypes and mouse strains.
• Utilized standardized protocols for phenotyping to ensure data consistency and comparability.

Main Results:

• By early 2010, data for 178 inbred mouse strains had been collected.
• Over 2000 different phenotypic measurements were generated.
• Data collection covered physiological, biochemical, and behavioral parameters.

Conclusions:

• Systematic phenotyping of inbred mouse strains is vital for genetic research.
• The project successfully expanded to provide a valuable resource for the scientific community.
• Standardized data collection enables better understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in mice.