Can we find the genes involved in complex traits?

摘要

The Complex Trait Consortium (CTC) [http://www.complex-trait.org] came together for the first time two years ago in Memphis, Tennessee to formalize a loose association of scientists focused on using methods for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) to unlock the genetics of complex phenotypes. The study of QTLs attempts to pinpoint the associations between the natural phenotypic and genotypic variation found in existing populations for the purpose of uncovering the mechanism of complex diseases. Since its first meeting, the CTC has grown, and it met, in July, at The Jackson Laboratory for its third annual meeting to evaluate the tools and resources that are available to advance the study of QTLs and to review the progress towards identification ofquantitative trait genes (QTGs). The largest impact on mouse genetics, and not just QTL studies, in the short history of the CTC has come from the public accessibility of a nearly complete mouse-genome assembly. The importance of that achievement carried through the entire meeting from Rick Woychik's (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, USA) introductory remarks to spirited concluding discussions about the appropriateness of current strategies to generate genome assemblies of additional strains of mice.