Quantitative trait loci influencing hepatic copper in rats.

Significant differences in liver copper content have been observed between rat inbred strains. To define loci controlling this trait, the offspring (n = 190) from an (LEW/OlaHsd x BC/CpbU) F(2)-intercross was genetically analyzed. From each F(2) animal, liver copper content was determined and genomic DNA was screened with polymorphic DNA markers. We found a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for liver copper content in females on chromosome 2 and in males on chromosome 10. Both QTLs accounted for approximately 20% of the genetic variance. In addition, suggestive linkage for liver copper content was found on rat chromosomes 1, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 19. The regions on these chromosomes contain genes that are responsible for 9.0-15.5% of the genetic variance of liver copper content.