The primary goal of this research program is to maintain and further develop the recombinant inbred (RI) strain system of genetic analysis. Three sets of RI strains, developed from the F2 generation of the cross of pairs of standard inbred strains, typed for numerous polymorphic markers, and used extensively in genetic research. These strains have played a crucial role in the rapid development of the genetic map of the mouse. They also provide a powerful and efficient system for the genetic analysis of diverse phenotypic traits. Live mice and genomic DNA samples are made available to other investigators. A database with the genotypes of the different RI strains is maintained and distributed to users of RI mice. Selected DNA markers, primarily microsatellite length variants, will be scored in these strains to close the RI genetic map. To further improve the power of the RI system, two RI sets will be expanded by developing several new strains from the same progenitors. Existing RI data will be critically analyzed to develop parsimonious linkage maps and to assess the possible role of natural selection on genotype fixation during inbreeding. Descriptions of individual RI strains will be developed, including general characteristics such as size and reproductive performance, as well as the incidences of specific pathologies. An additional goal is to help identify the genes involved in specific mutations and strain characteristics through collaborations with other scientists both at The Jackson Laboratory and elsewhere. One of these is the athymic mutant, nude. The principal investigator will also continue to collaborate with others on general gene mapping.
| Traina-Dorge, V L; Carr, J K; Bailey-Wilson, J E et al. (1985) Cellular genes in the mouse regulate in trans the expression of endogenous mouse mammary tumor viruses. Genetics 111:597-615 |
