Genetic background determines metabolic phenotypes in the mouse.
To evaluate the contribution of genetic background to phenotypic variation, we compared a large range of biochemical and metabolic parameters at different ages of four inbred mice strains, C57BL/6J, 129SvPas, C3HeB/FeJ, and Balb/cByJ. Our results demonstrate that important metabolic, hematologic, and biochemical differences exist between these different inbred strains. Most of these differences are gender independent and are maintained or accentuated throughout life. It is therefore imperative that the genetic background is carefully defined in phenotypic studies. Our results also argue that certain backgrounds are more suited to study a given physiologic phenomenon, as distinct mouse strains have a different propensity to develop particular biochemical, hematologic, and metabolic abnormalities. These genetic differences can furthermore be exploited to identify new genes/proteins that contribute to phenotypic abnormalities. The choice of the genetic background in which to generate and analyze genetically engineered mutant mice is important as it is, together with environmental factors, one of the most important contributors to the variability of phenotypic results.
Champy
Marie-France
MF
Institut Clinique de la Souris, BP 10142, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France. Marie-France.Champy@titus.u-strasbg.fr
Selloum
Mohammed
M
Zeitler
Valérie
V
Caradec
Claudia
C
Jung
Barbara
B
Rousseau
Stéphane
S
Pouilly
Laurent
L
Sorg
Tania
T
Auwerx
Johan
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000235:genetics; D015519:Bone Density / Q000235:genetics; D004435:Eating / Q000235:genetics; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test / Q000662:veterinary; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010641:Phenotype; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D014508:Urea; D007501:Iron