Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
10:28
Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Genome-wide association for methamphetamine sensitivity in an advanced intercross mouse line
C C Parker1, R Cheng, G Sokoloff
1Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|October 29, 2011
Summary
Genetic factors influence sensitivity to methamphetamine
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacogenetics
Background:
- Sensitivity to methamphetamine's (MA) stimulant effects is heritable.
- This sensitivity involves neurocircuitry linked to drug reward.
- Understanding the genetic basis of MA sensitivity is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and refine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for MA sensitivity.
- To leverage advanced intercross lines (AILs) for high-resolution genetic mapping.
- To integrate genetic mapping with bioinformatics for candidate gene identification.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a C57BL/6J × DBA/2J F(2) intercross and an F(8) advanced intercross line (AIL).
- Employed QTLRel software for simultaneous QTL mapping in both mouse populations.
- Integrated strain-specific sequence and expression data for candidate gene discovery.
Main Results:
- Identified six genome-wide significant QTLs for baseline locomotor activity.
- Discovered seven genome-wide significant QTLs for MA-induced locomotor activation.
- Reduced QTL interval width by 65% using integrated analysis; pinpointed one QTL to 1.47 Mb.
Conclusions:
- Advanced intercross lines significantly enhance the precision of QTL mapping.
- Combined genetic and bioinformatics approaches effectively identify candidate genes for complex traits.
- This study provides a powerful framework for investigating the genetic architecture of MA sensitivity.
