Project name: Differences in the genetic background of C57BL/6N and J mice

Description: Within decades of breeding, the common laboratory mouse strain C57BL/6 (B6) divided into various sub-strains with B6-J and B6-N being most frequently used. Recent studies showed significant genetic differences affecting several physiological, biochemical and behavioral properties. In the immunology field, however, differences between these strains have barely been characterized and the necessity to use the adequate B6 sub-strain as experimental control appears largely unrecognized. In this study, B6-J and B6-N mice were tested for a potential impact of their genetic background in various immunological models. They performed equally in experimental antibody-mediated immune-thrombocytopenia (ITP) and B-cell depletion. However, they revealed pronounced differences in a K/BxN arthritis model as well as in models of acute pneumonia and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Furthermore, the B6 sub-strains demonstrated remarkable differences in the gut microbiota composition that were detectable already in healthy animals and became augmented in the context of a DSS colitis. In summary, the evident disparities in the phenotype of several immunological models clearly show that awareness of the sub-strains you employ is essential for reliable research in mice.

Data type: Other

Sample scope: Monoisolate

Last updated: 2022-05-20