Multiple quantitative trait loci modeling (MQM) of hepatic fibrosis in a murine intercross

Most common diseases are attributed to multiple genetic variants. The feasibility of identifying inherited risk factors is often restricted to the identification of alleles with high or intermediate effect sizes. In our previous studies we identified single susceptibility loci associated with hepatic fibrosis (Hfib1-Hfib4). New advances in analysis tools allow us to model loci interactions for liver fibrosis. Overall we analysed 322 progeny from an F2 intercross of the fibrosis-susceptible inbred mouse strain BALB/cJ and the resistant strain FVB/NJ. The mice were challenged with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for s…