Identification of Epigenetic Modifications Affecting Fat Deposition and Body Fat Content in the Berlin Fat Mouse as a Model

The study aims at the identification of epigenetic modifications causing differences in fat content and distribution in the Berlin Fat Mouse (FBMI869) as a model animal. Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns will be studied in combination with genetic fine mapping approaches. DNA methylation and gene expression studies in F1 animals of the reciprocal crosses (BFMI860xC57BL/6NCrl) are crucial for the discovery and initial mapping of parent-of-origin dependent and independent imprinting effects (iQTL). For fine-mapping of iQTLs and detecting positional genes influencing fat deposition, animals of an advanced intercross population originating from the initial cross between BFMI860 and C57BL76NCrl will be investigated. The model experiment in structured mouse populations allows the enlightenment of epigenetic modifications affecting traits of interest for animal breeding like intramuscular and bodily fat content.