International Mammalian Genome Society

The 15th International Mouse Genome Conference (2001)

Table of Contents * Complex Genetics * Developmental Genetics * Gene Annotation * Gene Discovery * Genome Sequencing * Functional Genomics * Mutagenesis * Presentations * Verne Chapman Memorial Lecture

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POSTER 157 - TAPDANCER, A SPONTANEOUS NEUROLOGICAL MUTANT WITH A PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT DISORDER

Valerie Drews
Meisler Lab
University of Michigan
1241 E. Catherine St.
4909 Buhl, Box 0618
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0618 USA

Co-Authors:  Julie M. Jones and Miriam H. Meisler
Institutions: Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan

Tapdancer is a novel mutant that arose in our department during the past year.  The phenotype becomes evident at 3 weeks of age and increases in severity over the lifetime of the animal. Affected mice exhibit hypermetria (high stepping gait), episodic myoclonic jerks, tendency to walk backwards and mild growth retardation.  Mobility is progressively lost and after 5-6 months the mice have a greatly reduced level of activity. Seizure-like episodes in older mice are characterized by rapid twitching of vibrissae, whole body convulsions and piloerection.  These episodes can be induced by handling.  An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance was indicated by the observation of 18/79 affected F2 offspring in a cross with strain C57BL/6J.  Morphological studies, measurement of EEGs and genetic mapping of the tapdancer locus are in progress.