A transgenic approach to QTL analysis in a trypanotolerant mouse model

Abstract

We are using a mouse model to investigate the genetic basis of trypanotolerance in African cattle. We have used a transgenic approach in order to evaluate candidate genes underlying a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for trypanotolerance (Tir1) in mice identified in an earlier study. BAC clones from the trypanotolerant C57BL/6 underlying the Tir1 QTL for response to infection with Trypanosoma congolense were microinjected into F1 A/J x Balb/c (susceptible) donor oocytes fertilised with an A/J male. Transgenic animals were repeatedly backcrossed to A/J with genotyping for the transgene at every generation, and finally intercrossed prior to trypanosome challenge.