New resource illustrates divergence of C57BL/6 laboratory mouse substrains
JAX® NOTES Issue 512, Winter 2008
Our new Divergence of C57BL/6 Laboratory Mouse Substrains poster illustrates the history and development of today's C57BL/6 (B6) substrains. Over 20 major B6 substrains are commercially distributed by various organizations worldwide, however that's only part of the story. Between 1930 and 1970 over 40 B6 substrains developed — some deliberately constructed but most spontaneously arising as a result of genetic drift. The genetic differences among these substrains can be significant and may affect research results. So, which substrain should you choose? The "J" substrain (C57BL/6J) is by far the most well characterized and referenced: over 90% of published references to the C57BL strain are to the J substrain. It is the most popular background for constructing genetically modified mouse strains and is the only completely sequenced mouse strain. So it's no wonder why leading biomedical researchers, including several recent Nobel Laureates, consistently "Ask for the J".
To request a complimentary copy of this new resource go to our literature request form.
