Mapping novel genetic loci associated with female liver weight variations using Collaborative Cross mice

Hanifa J. Abu-Toamih Atamni, Maya Botzman, Richard Mott, Irit Gat-Viks, Fuad A. Iraqi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Liver weight is a complex trait, controlled by polygenic factors and differs within populations. Dissecting the genetic architecture underlying these variations will facilitate the search for key role candidate genes involved directly in the hepatomegaly process and indirectly involved in related diseases etiology. Methods: Liver weight of 506 mice generated from 39 different Collaborative Cross (CC) lines with both sexes at age 20 weeks old was determined using an electronic balance. Genomic DNA of the CC lines was genotyped with high-density single nucleotide polymorphic markers. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) variation of liver weight between the CC lines, with broad sense heritability (H2) of 0.32 and genetic coefficient of variation (CVG) of 0.28. Subsequently, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed, and results showed a significant QTL only for females on chromosome 8 at genomic interval 88.61-93.38 Mb (4.77 Mb). Three suggestive QTL were mapped at chromosomes 4, 12 and 13. The four QTL were designated as LWL1-LWL4 referring to liver weight loci 1-4 on chromosomes 8, 4, 12 and 13, respectively. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this report presents, for the first time, the utilization of the CC for mapping QTL associated with baseline liver weight in mice. Our findings demonstrate that liver weight is a complex trait controlled by multiple genetic factors that differ significantly between sexes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)212-220
Number of pages9
JournalAnimal Models and Experimental Medicine
Volume1
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2018

Funding

FundersFunder number
Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics
Wellcome Trust075491/Z/04, 090532/Z/09/Z, 085906/Z/08/Z
Tel Aviv University
Israeli Centers for Research Excellence41/11

    Keywords

    • Collaborative Cross mouse model
    • candidate genes
    • high genetic diverse mouse population
    • liver weight
    • quantitative trait locus mapping
    • standard rodent diet

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Mapping novel genetic loci associated with female liver weight variations using Collaborative Cross mice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this