The dilute coat-color locus of mouse chromosome 9.

The genetic and molecular analysis clearly defines the dilute gene as essential for normal melanocyte morphology, neurological function and juvenile survival. The large number of dilute mutations afford a strong basis for clarifying the precise genomic organization and expression pattern at dilute. Ultimately, such an analysis will provide the tools for the subsequent molecular examination of the numerous loci which define the dilute complex of mouse chromosome 9 as critical for normal mammalian development.