The mouse has been used as the model mammalian system for genome analysis. We have been engaged in the development of a high density genetic map of the mouse by analysis of several multilocus crosses derived from interspecies or intersubspecies matings. DNAs from these mice have been typed for over 1200 loci, about half of which are novel and most of which are expressed genes rather than anonymous DNA fragments. This emphasis on expressed genes permits comparative analysis with the maps of other species and contributes to efforts to identify genes involved in inherited developmental disorders. These studies have, most recently, resulted in the genetic mapping of genes encoding new homeobox genes, connexins, and a methyltransferase. We collaborated with D. FArber to map a series of cDNAs isolated by subtractive hybridization using normal and photoreceptorless mutants. One of these cDNAs was mapped near the gene, retinal degeneration-7. Analysis of the gene in normal and rd7 mice identified a deletion in the mutant mice resulting in a truncated protein and established the genetic basis for this developmental abnormality.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 29 publications
