ANALYSIS OF THE MOM1 MODIFIER OF INTESTINAL NEOPLASIA IN MICE

Although the methodology for mapping genes controlling susceptibility to tumor development in mice is becoming well established, it remains a formidable challenge to move from linkage to locus. Positional cloni ng, now commonly used in the identification of loci affecting a qualit ative phenotype, has yet to be successfully applied to quantitative tr ait loci. This study describes the application of candidate gene testi ng, a method complementary to positional cloning. The method has been applied to evaluate candidates for the quantitative trait locus, Mom1, which modifies the susceptibility of Apc(Min/+) mice to spontaneous i ntestinal tumor development. The authors also discuss the further test ing of one candidate, the phospholipase gene Pla2g2a, by transgenesis. Finally, studies on the mode of action of Mom1 are discussed in light of the evidence that Mom1 encodes this secretory phospholipase.