Genetic Quality Control in Lab Mice Reveals Widespread Strain Errors
A study published as a Policy Article examined genetic quality control (GQC) in laboratory mouse strains. Researchers used the MiniMUGA genotyping array to analyze 611 samples from 341 strains held by Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers (MMRRCs).
Approximately half of the samples had discrepancies between their reported strain names and actual genetic profiles.
Common issues included:
- Mismatches between reported and detected substrains
- Incorrect strain type classification
- Failure to note important genetic constructs
Only about 20% of strains fully met the expectations associated with their official names.
While most discrepancies were minor, some could introduce hidden genetic variables that affect experimental outcomes.
Proposed Solution
The authors advocate for a standardized, high-resolution GQC framework and call for coordinated action among repositories, journals, and funders to improve consistency and reproducibility in mouse-based research.