Systematic genome function analysis based upon intersubspecific comsomic strains

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We had developed a series of consomic mouse strains by substituting chromosomes of C57BL/6J strain by corresponding chromosomes of MSM/Ms strain. Because C57BL/6J originated from West European subspecies, Mus musculus domesticus, and MSM/Ms from Asian subspecies, M.m. molossinus, established strains should be referred to as intersubspecific consomic strains. By using these mouse strains, we are able to map loci controlling phenotypes that are different between C57BL/6J and MSM/Ms strains. In this study, we have further established experimental systems that enable us to explore the mouse genome functions, based upon phenotyping of the consomic strains. First, we developed a system for preservation of the strains as frozen sperms and embryos. Second, we found that X-chromosome consomic strain exhibits male sterility with abnormal morphology of sperms. We conducted QTL analysis, and successfully map three loci responsible for this male sterility. Third, in order to elucidate phenotypes that can be analyzed by the consomic strains, we have collected comprehensive, phenotype data of consomic parental stains, C57BL/6j and MSM/Ms. Finally, we executed phenotyping of all consomic strains for some of morphological traits including growth curve and behavioural traits, anxiety and home-cage activity. As a result, we could map a number of intriguing phenotypes.