# Genetic structure and demographic history of house mice in western Europe inferred using whole-genome sequences

## TL;DR

This study uses whole-genome sequencing to explore the genetic structure and history of house mice in western Europe, revealing patterns similar to human migration.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the demographic history and genetic structure of wild house mice in western Europe using whole-genome sequencing.

## Key findings

- Three genetic clusters were identified in western European house mice.
- Historical gene flow and population bottlenecks were inferred prior to 20,000 years ago.
- Divergence times between mouse populations align with the zooarchaeological record and human migration history.

## Abstract

The western house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, is a human commensal and an outstanding model organism for studying a wide variety of traits and diseases. However, we have few genomic resources for wild mice and only a rudimentary understanding of the demographic history of house mice in Europe. Here, we sequenced 59 whole genomes of mice collected from England, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey, northern France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. We combined this dataset with 24 previously published sequences from southern France, Germany and Iran and compared patterns of population structure and inferred demographic parameters for house mice in western Europe to patterns seen in humans. Principal component and phylogenetic analyses identified three genetic clusters in western European mice. Admixture and f-branch statistics identified historical gene flow between these genetic clusters. Demographic analyses suggest a shared history of population bottlenecks prior to 20 000 years ago. Estimated divergence times between populations of house mice from western Europe ranged from 1500 to 5500 years ago, in general agreement with the zooarchaeological record. These results correspond well with key aspects of contemporary human population structure and the history of migration in western Europe, highlighting the commensal relationship of this important genetic model.