Mimicking the genetic diversity of humans is necessary to understand complex neurological traits. However, knockout mice are homogenous and often display unique phenotypes depending on their genetic background. Carneiro et al. now report on the use of genetically diverse inbred mice to study naturally occurring polymorphisms that affect the serotonin transporter (SERT). The neurotransmitter serotonin and its transporter are known to contribute to a variety of neurological disorders including alcoholism, depression, anxiety and autism. Consistent with findings in humans, naturally occurring genetic variation in these mice altered characteristics such as dopaminergic signaling and the animal’s propensity for alcohol consumption. This unique model addresses the role of variable genetic interactions on the phenotype of complex traits.
Carneiro AM, Airey DC, Thompson B, Zhu CB, Lu L, Chesler EJ, Erikson KM, Blakely RD. (2009). Functional coding variation in recombinant inbred mouse lines reveals multiple serotonin transporter-associated phenotypes. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 106, 2047– 2052.
