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Applying mouse complex-trait resources to behavioural genetics

Abstract

Studies of the genetic basis of behaviour in mice are at a turning point. Soon, new resources will enable the behavioural function of all genes to be tested and the networks of genes, messenger RNAs and proteins involved in a particular behaviour to be identified. Using these resources, scientists will be able to analyse mouse behaviour at an unprecedented level of detail. Interpreting the new data, however, will require a shift in focus from gene-based approaches to network-based approaches.

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Figure 1: Genetic dissection of behaviour.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the Wellcome Trust for support and are grateful to S.McCormick for comments on the manuscript.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Reprints and permissions information is available at http://www.nature.com/reprints.

Correspondence should be addressed to J.F. (jf@well.ox.ac.uk).

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Flint, J., Mott, R. Applying mouse complex-trait resources to behavioural genetics. Nature 456, 724–727 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07630

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