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

Dr. Claude Libert
Group leader
Mouse Molecular Genetics Unit
Department Molecualr Biology
VIB and RUG
Ledeganckstraat 35
Ghent, 9000
Belgium

The Mus spretus-derived inbred strains SPRET/Ei, SEG, STF and others are of extreme importance for the mapping and positional cloning of simple and complex traits. The significant divergence of at least 1 million years from Mus musculus has led to a great amount of genetic polymorphisms, which allow mapping to the subcM level of resolution. However, for efficient positional cloning and subsequent functional genetics in M. spretus-derived strains, a number of essential tools have to be developed. In our lab, we are constructing a SPRET/Ei BAC library and several cDNA libraries. Furthermore, we are establishing (SPRET x C57BL/6)F1 ES cell lines essentially for the generation of deletions at the SPRET/Ei allele. Also, the scientific community should seriously consider sequencing (selected parts of) the SPRET/Ei genome. This would lead to extremely valuable information and would also greatly facilitate positional cloning.