Whole Genome Sequencing outbred mouse lines selected for high fertility, body size and endurance

A unique set of mouse lines has been developed through selective breeding in the longest selection experiment ever conducted on mice. Over the course of >150 generations, the founder population has diverged into two extremely fertile lines (>20 pups per litter each), two giant lines (one lean, one obese) and one long-distance running line. Genomic analysis revealed line-specific patterns of genetic variation and high levels of homozygosity as a result of long-term intensive selection, genetic drift and isolation. Regions in which genetic differentiation and structural variation was specific for each line contained well known, trait-relevant genes. We conclude that the genomes of these lines are rich in beneficial alleles for the respective selected traits and represent an invaluable resource for unraveling the polygenic basis of fertility, obesity, muscle growth and endurance.