LAUSR

Significance We successfully identified the duper allele as a null mutation of Cryptochrome 1 in Syrian hamsters. Here, we have shown the use of fast homozygosity mapping as an effective approach to identify causal mutations in mammals, despite lacking chromosomal genome information. In the course of this work, we improved the draft Syrian hamster genome and generated datasets necessary to exploit Syrian hamsters as a modern genetic research model. The unique physiological features of Syrian hamsters make them a desirable model to investigate human diseases, including circadian disorders, cancer, heart function, metabolism, and infectious diseases (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).