Mapping Modifiers Affecting Muscularity of the Myostatin Mutant (MstnCmpt-dl1Abc) Compact Mouse

The hypermuscular Compact phenotype was first noted in a line of mice selected for high body weight and protein content. A new line, based on mice showing the Compact phenotype, was formed and selected for maximum expression of the Compact phenotype. Previously we mapped and identified a 12-bp deletion in the myostatin gene, denoted Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc), which can be considered as a major gene responsible for the hypermuscular phenotype. Genetic analysis revealed that full expression of the hypermuscular phenotype requires the action of modifier loci in addition to Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc). To map these modifier loci, an interspecific F(2) population was generated between Comp9, an inbred line homozygous for Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc), and CAST/Ei, an inbred line generated from Mus musculus castaneus. Selective DNA pooling and genotyping, separately by gender, was carried out within a subpopulation of the F(2) consisting of individuals homozygous for Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc). Significant association with hypermuscularity at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05 was found for markers on chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 11, 16, and X. In all cases, the marker allele derived from the Comp9 parent showed a higher frequency in the hypermuscular group and the CAST/Ei allele in the normal group. The modifier loci apparently exerted their effects on muscularity only in the presence of Mstn(Cmpt-dl1Abc).