A method to quantify mouse coat-color proportions

Coat-color proportions and patterns in mice are used as assays for many processes such as transgene expression, chimerism, and epigenetics. In many studies, coat-color readouts are estimated from subjective scoring of individual mice. Here we show a method by which mouse coat color is quantified as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2009-04, Vol.4 (4), p.e5414-e5414
Main Authors: Ounpraseuth, Songthip, Rafferty, Tonya M, McDonald-Phillips, Rachel E, Gammill, Whitney M, Siegel, Eric R, Wheeler, Kristin L, Nilsson, Erik A, Cooney, Craig A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Animals
Chimerism
Clothing and dress
Coating
Color
Coloration
Data collection
Data Collection - methods
Databases, Factual
Developmental Biology/Developmental Molecular Mechanisms
Developmental Biology/Embryology
Developmental Biology/Pattern Formation
Digital cameras
Digital imaging
DNA methylation
Electronic cameras
Epigenesis, Genetic
Epigenetic inheritance
Epigenetics
Gene expression
Genetics and Genomics/Animal Genetics
Genetics and Genomics/Epigenetics
Genetics and Genomics/Gene Expression
Hair Color
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods
Laboratories
Methods
Mice
Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics
Molecular Biology/DNA Methylation
Nutrition
Objective analysis
Stem cells
TECHNOLOGY
TEKNIKVETENSKAP
Variegation
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Summary:Coat-color proportions and patterns in mice are used as assays for many processes such as transgene expression, chimerism, and epigenetics. In many studies, coat-color readouts are estimated from subjective scoring of individual mice. Here we show a method by which mouse coat color is quantified as the proportion of coat shown in one or more digital images. We use the yellow-agouti mouse model of epigenetic variegation to demonstrate this method. We apply this method to live mice using a conventional digital camera for data collection. We use a raster graphics editing program to convert agouti regions of the coat to a standard, uniform, brown color and the yellow regions of the coat to a standard, uniform, yellow color. We use a second program to quantify the proportions of these standard colors. This method provides quantification that relates directly to the visual appearance of the live animal. It also provides an objective analysis with a traceable record, and it should allow for precise comparisons of mouse coats and mouse cohorts within and between studies.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0005414