Strain distribution patterns for genetic markers in the LSXSS recombinant-inbred series

We present the strain distribution patterns (SDPs) of 118 SSLP markers and three pigmentation genes that have been characterized in 27 strains from the LSXSS RI series. This coarse map provides a resource for linkage studies of phenotypes that are heritable in the LSXSS RI series. The LSXSS recombinant inbred (RI) strains were derived from the Long-Sleep (LS) and Short-Sleep (SS) selected lines of mice that were selected for differential sensitivity to ethanol but are also differentially sensitive to a variety of other alcohols, barbiturates, sedative hypnotics, and general anesthetics. Since the parents were not inbred, two atypical factors are present in these SDPs. First, more than two alleles are frequently found in these RIs, and second, some alleles can be uniquely associated with one or the other parent while other alleles may be found in both parental lines. To validate the markers found in the parental line, we genotyped all parental mice from one generation of both the LS and SS lines, thus leading to a set of marker SDPs that are useful for further phenotypic association and identification of provisional QTLs.