Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses and alcohol-related behaviors.

Recombinant inbred (RI) strains can make an important contribution toward the merger of molecular genetics and quantitative genetics in the quest for quantitative trait loci (QTL). We present preliminary analyses of alcohol-related processes from our ongoing research using the BXD RI series. Issues concerning reliability, genetic correlations, and RI QTL analysis are discussed. Several strategies for replication and extension of QTL candidate regions are considered: F1 crosses between RI strains, F2 crosses, heterogeneous stock, interspecific backcrosses, QTL selection, and the use of murine QTL in chromosomal regions syntenic to human chromosomes as candidate chromosomal regions for human QTL.