Genetic analysis of litter size in mice |
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Authors: | Jun-ichi SUTO |
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Institution: | 1)Agrogenomics Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8634, Japan |
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Abstract: | We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analysis for litter size (total
number of pups born and/or number of pups born alive) in 255 backcross mice derived from
C57BL/6J and RR/Sgn inbred mice. We identified one significant QTL on chromosome 7 and 4
suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 3, 5, 10 and 13. In addition, two suggestive QTLs were
identified on chromosomes 1 and 4 for the number of stillbirth. These results suggested
that both litter size and number of stillbirth were heritable traits, although they were
controlled by distinct genes. The RR allele was associated with reduced litter size and
increased stillbirth at all QTLs. Therefore, RR mothers were observed to have reduced
prolificacy in this particular genetic cross. |
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Keywords: | litter size quantitative trait locus (QTL) RR/Sgn mouse stillbirth |
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