Identification of quantitative trait loci influencing skeletal architecture in mice: Emergence of Cdh11 as a primary candidate gene regulating femoral morphology

Bone strength is influenced by many properties intrinsic to bone, including its mass, geometry, and mineralization. To further advance our understanding of the genetic basis of bone‐strength‐related traits, we used a large (n = 815), moderately (G4) advanced intercross line (AIL) of mice derived from a high‐runner selection line (HR) and the C57BL/6J inbred strain. In total, 16 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified that affected areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and femoral length and width. Four significant (p