A new allele sash (Wsh) at theW-locus and a spontaneous recessive lethal in mice

Abstract

A mutation to an apparently new allele at the W-locus of the mouse arose spontaneously in a cross between two inbred strains. Heterozygotes have a broad white sash, leading to the name and symbol sash, Wsh. Homozygotes are black-eyed whites which are viable, fertile and not anaemic, although the gene does cause mild haematopoietic defects. The original mutant animal also carried a spontaneous recessive lethal mutation on chromosome 5, mapping at 2 cM distal to the W-locus.