Mapping an overdominant quantitative trait locus for heterosis of body weight in mice

J Hered. 2009 Jul-Aug;100(4):501-4. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esp004. Epub 2009 Mar 3.

Abstract

The genetic basis of heterosis has not been elucidated. Previously, a congenic mouse strain with a 44-Mb genomic region of proximal chromosome 2 containing the allele derived from wild Mus musculus castaneus at Pbwg1, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for body weight and growth, has been developed. In this study, to fine-map and characterize body weight QTLs on the congenic region, QTL analysis of body weight at 1, 3, 6, and 10 weeks after birth was performed on a population of 265 F(2) intercross mice between the developed congenic strain and its background strain C57BL/6J. A significant QTL (named Pbwg1.10) affecting body weight at 6 and 10 weeks of age was identified within an approximately 21-Mb support interval. Surprisingly, Pbwg1.10 had an overdominance effect and caused heterosis for body weight. This result supported the overdominance hypothesis explaining heterosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / genetics*
  • Chromosome Mapping / methods*
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Female
  • Genes, Dominant / genetics*
  • Hybrid Vigor*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Quantitative Trait Loci