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Theoretical and empirical issues for marker-assisted breeding of congenic mouse strains

Nature Genetics volume 17, pages 280–284 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

Congenic breeding strategies are becoming increasingly important as a greater number of complex trait linkages are identified. Traditionally, the development of a congenic strain has been a time-consuming endeavour, requiring ten generations of backcrosses. The recent advent of a dense molecular genetic map of the mouse permits methods that can reduce the time needed for congenic-strain production by 18–24 months. We present a theoretical evaluation of marker-assisted congenic production and provide the empirical data that support it. We present this ‘speed congenic’ method in a user-friendly manner to encourage other investigators to pursue this or similar methods of congenic production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Millennium Pharmaceuticals, 640 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA

    Paul Markel, Pei Shu, Deborah L. Nagle, John S. Smutko & Karen J. Moore

  2. The McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, 59405, USA

    Chris Ebeling & George A. Carlson

Authors
  1. Paul Markel
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  2. Pei Shu
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  3. Chris Ebeling
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  4. George A. Carlson
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  5. Deborah L. Nagle
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  6. John S. Smutko
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  7. Karen J. Moore
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Correspondence to Karen J. Moore.

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Markel, P., Shu, P., Ebeling, C. et al. Theoretical and empirical issues for marker-assisted breeding of congenic mouse strains. Nat Genet 17, 280–284 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng1197-280

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