Chromosome 7q11 controls sperm beat cross frequency (BCF) in mice.

The aim of this study was to compare the inheritance of the chromosomal SSLP markers with the inheritance of sperm movement parameters in order to map genes responsible for these quantitative traits (QTs). Chromosome 7 and 14 SSLP markers were tested to obtain the strain distribution pattern (SDP) for recombinant inbred (RI) strains developed from two progenitors, KE and CBA/Kw, which differ significantly in gamete quality. Sperm motility characteristics were determined using the computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. The Map manager software was used in order to assess linkage between the analyzed motility parameters and chromosome regions. The marker regression, interval mapping and permutation tests matched the QT loci of BCF with chromosome 7q11. The likelihood ratio statistic for this association was 18.1 with 79% of the total trait variance explained by QTL at this locus. These mapping results suggest that the BCF trait depends on the genetic factor(s) located in this region.