Systems genetics of liver fibrosis

Abstract

This systems genetics analysis comprises quantitative measurements of hepatic fibrogenesis in mouse models and mapping of quantitative traits in mouse genetic reference populations. It is part of a large mapping project of fibrogenic genes including the analyses of experimental crosses from different inbred mouse strains. Extensive quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of fibrosis phenotypes and liver expression profiling in combination with in silico mapping facilitated the identification of QTL regions and underlying candidate genes that confer fibrosis susceptibility also in humans. Moreover, the approach led to the identification of interacting QTLs and gene networks in liver fibrosis, providing a key experimental platform for the development of novel, more precise therapeutic interventions. Here, we provide a use case for the application of different analysis tools and the integration of multiple datasets determined in F2 intercrosses and BXD recombinant inbred lines to identify, finemap and affirm fibrosis susceptibility loci.