Genetic linkage of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in an intercross between BALB/cJ and SM/J Apoe-deficient mouse strains

BACKGROUND: Individuals with dyslipidemia often develop type 2 diabetes, and diabetic patients often have dyslipidemia. It remains to be determined whether there are genetic connections between the 2 disorders. METHODS: A female F(2) cohort, generated from BALB/cJ (BALB) and SM/J (SM) Apoe-deficient (Apoe(−/−)) strains, was started on a Western diet at 6 weeks of age and maintained on the diet for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels were measured before and after 12 weeks of Western diet. 144 genetic markers across the entire genome were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. RESULTS: One significant QTL on chromosome 9, named Bglu17 [26.4 cM, logarithm of odds ratio (LOD): 5.4], and 3 suggestive QTLs were identified for fasting glucose levels. The suggestive QTL near the proximal end of chromosome 9 (2.4 cM, LOD: 3.12) was replicated at both time points and named Bglu16. Bglu17 coincided with a significant QTL for HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and a suggestive QTL for non-HDL cholesterol levels. Plasma glucose levels were inversely correlated with HDL but positively correlated with non-HDL cholesterol levels in F(2) mice on either chow or Western diet. A significant correlation between fasting glucose and triglyceride levels was also observed on the Western diet. Haplotype analysis revealed that “lipid genes” Sik3, Apoa1, and Apoc3 were probable candidates for Bglu17. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified multiple QTLs for fasting glucose and lipid levels. The colocalization of QTLs for both phenotypes and the sharing of potential candidate genes demonstrate genetic connections between dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-015-0292-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.