Cross-breeding studies in rodents have identified numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are linked to diabetes-related component traits. To identify genetic consensus regions implicated in insulin action and glucose homeostasis, we have performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide linkage scans for glucose and insulin levels, and glucose tolerance. From a total of 43 published genome-wide scans we assembled a collection of 153 QTL for diabetes-related traits. Collectively, these studies include data from 48 different parental strains and >11 000 individual animals. The results of the studies were analyzed using the truncated product method (TPM).

Our analysis revealed significant evidence (LOD score > 4.3) for linkage of glucose levels, insulin levels and glucose tolerance to 27 different segments of the mouse genome. The most prominent consensus regions (localized to Chr. 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 19; LOD scores 10.5 - 17.4) cover ~11% of the mouse genome and collectively contain the peak markers for 47 QTL. Approximately half of these genomic segments also show significant linkage to body weight and adiposity, indicating the presence of multiple obesity-dependent and independent consensus regions for diabetes-related traits (visit www.obesitygenes.org for details). At least 84 human genetic markers, mostly from microsatellite-marker-based genome wide scans and >80 candidate genes from human and rodent studies map into the mouse consensus regions for diabetes-related traits, indicating a substantial overlap between the studies. Our results demonstrate the presence of numerous distinct consensus QTL regions with highly significant LOD scores that control glucose homeostasis. We hope that this website is a useful tool to explore and mine the wealth of genetic data.

Enter "Mouse Diabesity Gene Map"
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For information on obesity QTL, please visit www.obesitygenes.org.

NZO mouse

[ Schmidt, C., Gonzaludo, N.P., Strunk, S., Dahm, S., Schuchhardt, J., Kleinjung, F., Wuschke, S., Joost, H.G., and Al-Hasani, H.,; A Meta-analysis of QTL for Diabetes-related Traits in Rodents. Physiol Genomics 2008, in press.]