The use of animal models is a powerful approach for the genetic dissection of complex traits. The environment can be controlled to minimize environmental noise. Further, one can design the size of the pedigree to give a sufficient power to localize even minor effect genes. NCoEDG has access to rodent and farm animal models for both metabolic and inflammatory disorders. They provide the basis for comparative analysis of involved loci and alleles across the species. Additionally, some QTL:s have been already initially identified and bred in many relevant traits providing basis for candidate-gene based analyses also in human traits. This cross talk between species will be used as gene discovery platform of NCoEDG. This core will orchestrate the data collection and harmonization of the animal models to ensure that the full potential of comparative analysis is utilized to advance the molecular characterization of complex human traits. The core will arrange one workshop per year to address the animal models for three target traits and their subcomponents.

(Leader Leif Andersson)