Rapid mapping of cosmid clones on pig chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Nineteen cosmids have been mapped to pig chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Two kinds of cosmid clones were isolated as potential physical and genetic markers for the pig genome. Anonymous cosmids were obtained by screening a commercial cosmid library and were localized to Chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Some of these cosmids were found to reveal RFLP type DNA polymorphism. Microsatellite-containing cosmid clones were isolated by screening a pig cosmid library with a (CA)₁₀ probe and were regionally mapped to Chrs 2, 6, 7, 13, and 14. Ten of the 19 chromosomes in the pig were labeled with these probes. Two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to increase the efficiency of the cosmid localizations.     

Contribution to the physically anchored linkage map of the pig

Thirty-three microsatellites have been mapped on the PiGMaP porcine genetic map. By comparison with the previously published PiGMaP maps, the maps of chromosome 2 (140 cM/70 cM) and chromosome 3 (180 cM/110 cM) were extended and new markers were mapped on the p-arm extremity of chromosome 7 and on the centromeric extremity of chromosome 15. New orders are proposed for markers on chromosomes 3 and 17. Six microsatellites isolated from cosmids were also localized on the cytogenetic map by fluorescent in situ hybridization. We tested the subcloning ligation mixture–polymerase chain reaction (SLiM-PCR) method for isolating microsatellites from cosmids. Subcloning is more effective when the cosmid harbours several microsatellites whereas SLiM-PCR is more straightforward when the cosmid contains a single microsatellite. Fifteen anonymous microsatellites were regionally assigned by using a hybrid cell panel. For map integration, the determination of a regional assignment of anonymous microsatellites by using a hybrid cell panel offers an alternative to microsatellite isolation from cosmids and their localizations by in situ hybridization.     

Clustering of C2-H2 zinc finger motif sequences within telomeric and fragile site regions of human chromosomes.

Ninety-three phage clones identified by hybridization with a C2-H2 zinc finger sequence probe have been grouped into 23 genetic loci. Partial sequencing verified that each locus belonged to the zinc finger family. Oligonucleotide primer pairs were developed from these sequences to serve as STS markers for these loci. One or more clones from each locus was mapped onto human metaphase chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Several loci map to identical chromosomal regions, indicating the possible presence of multigene clusters. Zinc finger loci were found to reside predominantly either in telomeric regions or in chromosomal bands known to exhibit chromosome fragility. Chromosome 19 carries a disproportionate fraction (10 of 23) of the mapped zinc finger loci.     

Chromosomal localization and molecular characterization of 53 cosmid-derived bovine microsatellites

Gene mapping in cattle has progressed rapidly in recent years largely owing to the introduction of powerful genetic markers, such as the microsatellites, and through advances in physical mapping techniques such as synteny mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Microsatellite markers are often not physically mapped because they are generally isolated from small insert plasmid libraries, which makes their chromosomal localization inefficient. In this report we describe the FISH mapping of a large group of cosmid-derived bovine microsatellite markers, as our contribution to the European mapping initiative, BovMap. One objective of BovMap is to develop a set of anchored loci for the cattle genome map.Two cosmid libraries were screened with probes corresponding to the (AC) _n microsatellite motif. Positive clones were mapped by FISH, and then a subset was further analyzed by sequencing the region flanking the microsatellite repeat. In total, 58 clones were hybridized with chromosomes and identified loci on 22 of the 31 different bovine chromosomes. Three clones contained satellite DNA. Two or more markers were placed on 12 chromosomes. Sequencing of the microsatellites and flanking regions was performed directly from 43 cosmids, as previously reported (Ferretti et al. Anim. Genet. 25, 209–214, 1994). Primers were developed for 39 markers and used to describe the polymorphism associated with the corresponding loci.     

Physically mapped,cosmid-derived microsatellite markers as anchor loci on bovine chromosomes

To identify physical and genetic anchor loci on bovine chromosomes, 13 cosmids, obtained after the screening of partial bovine cosmid libraries with the (CA)_n microsatellite motif, were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Eleven cosmid probes yielded a specific signal on one of the bovine chromosomes and identified the following loci: D5S2, D5S3, D6S3, D8S1, D11S5, D13S1, D16S5, D17S2, D19S2, D19S3, D21S8. Two cosmids produced centromeric signals on many chromosomes. The microsatellite-containing regions were subcloned and sequenced. The sequence information revealed that the two centromeric cosmids were derived from bovine satellites 1.723 and 1.709, respectively. A cosmid located in the subtelomeric region of Chromosome (Chr) 17 (D17S2) had features of a chromosome-specific satellite. Primers were designed for eight of the nonsatellite cosmids, and seven of these microsatellites were polymorphic with between three and eight alleles on a set of outbred reference families. The polymorphic and chromosomally mapped loci can now be used to physically anchor other bovine polymorphic markers by linkage analysis. The microsatellite primers were also applied to DNA samples of a previously characterized panel of somatic hybrid cell lines, allowing the assignment of seven microsatellite loci to defined syntenic groups. These assignments confirmed earlier mapping results, revealed a probable case of false synteny, and placed two formerly unassigned syntenic groups on specific chromosomes.     

Towards a physical map of the Drosophila melanogaster genome: mapping of cosmid clones within defined genomic divisions.

A physical map of the D. melanogaster genome is being constructed, in the form of overlapping cosmid clones that are assigned to specific polytene chromosome sites. A master library of ca. 20,000 cosmids is screened with probes that correspond to numbered chromosomal divisions (ca. 1% of the genome); these probes are prepared by microdissection and PCR-amplification of individual chromosomes. The 120 to 250 cosmids selected by each probe are fingerprinted by Hinfl digestion and gel electrophoresis, and overlaps are detected by computer analysis of the fingerprints, permitting us to assemble sets of contiguous clones (contigs). Selected cosmids, both from contigs and unattached, are then localized by in situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes. Crosshybridization analysis using end probes links some contigs, and hybridization to previously cloned genes relates the physical to the genetic map. This approach has been used to construct a physical map of the 3.8 megabase DNA in the three distal divisions of the x chromosome. The map is represented by 181 canonical cosmids, of which 108 clones in contigs and 32 unattached clones have been mapped individually by in situ hybridization to chromosomes. Our current database of in situ hybridization results also includes the beginning of a physical map for the rest of the genome: 162 cosmids have been assigned by in situ hybridization to 129 chromosomal subdivisions elsewhere in the genome, representing 5 to 6 megabases of additional mapped DNA.     

Mapping of two new markers within the smallest interval harboring the spinal muscular atrophy locus by family and radiation hybrid analysis

The locus responsible for the childhood-onset proximal spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) has recently been mapped to an area of 2–3 Mb in the region q12–13.3 of chromosome 5. We have used a series of radiation hybrids (RHs) containing distinct parts of the SMA region as defined by reference markers. A cosmid library was constructed from one RH. Thirteen clones were isolated and five of these were mapped within the SMA region. Both RH mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that two clones map in the region between loci D5S125 and D5S351. One of the cosmids contains expressed sequences. Polymorphic dinucleotide repeats were identified in both clones and used for segregation analysis of key recombinant SMA families. One recombination between the SMA locus and the new marker 9Ic (D5S685) indicates that 9Ic is probably the closest distal marker. The absence of recombination between the SMA locus and marker Fc (D5S684) suggests that Fc is located close to the disease gene. These new loci should refine linkage analysis in SMA family studies and may facilitate the isolation of the disease gene.     

A high-resolution cytogenetic map of 168 cosmid DNA markers for human chromosome 11.

We have constructed a high-resolution cytogenetic map with 168 DNA markers, including 90 RFLP markers for human chromosome 11. The cosmid clones were mapped by fluorescence in situ suppression hybridization, in which discrete fluorescent signals can be detected directly on prometaphase R-banded chromosomes. Although these cosmid clones were distributed throughout the chromosome, they had some tendency to localize in the regions of R-positive band, such as 11p15, 11p11.2, 11q13, 11q23, and 11q25. Since these regions of chromosome 11 are considered to contain genes responsible for certain genetic diseases, cancer breakpoints involved in chromosome rearrangements, and tumor-suppressor genes, this high-resolution cytogenetic map will contribute to the molecular characterization of such genes. This map will also provide many landmarks essential for construction of the complete physical map with contigs of cosmid and YAC clones.     

Fourteen chromosomal localizations and an update of the cytogenetic map of the rabbit

In order to improve the informativeness of the cytogenetic map of the rabbit genome, fourteen markers were regionally mapped to individual chromosomes. The localizations comprise eleven gene loci (PRLR, GHR, HK1, ACE, TF, 18S+28S rDNA, CYP2C4, PMP2, TCRB, ALOX15 and MT1) and three microsatellite loci (Sat13, Sol33 and D1Utr6). Five of the genes contain known microsatellite sequences. To achieve these localizations, homologous and heterologous small insert clones, and clones from a rabbit Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library were used as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments. Results indicate that especially BAC clones are a valuable tool for cytogenetic mapping. Some of the genes were selected for mapping on the basis of human- rabbit comparative painting data, to achieve localizations on gene-poor rabbit chromosomes. Our data are, in general, in agreement with the human-rabbit comparative painting data. By mapping microsatellite sequences that have also been used in linkage studies, links are provided between the genetic and physical maps of the rabbit genome. Linkage groups I, VI and XI could be assigned to chromosomes 1, 5 and 3 respectively. Moreover, in this paper we give an overview of the current status of the rabbit cytogenetic map. This map now comprises 62 physically mapped genes, which are scattered over all autosomes, except chromosome 2, and the X chromosome.     

A genetic and physical map of bovine chromosome 3

This paper reports a map of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers previously assigned to bovine chromosome 3 (BTA3) by somatic cell genetics. The linkage group covers 101 cM on the chromosome with an average intermarker distance of 13-9 cM. One marker (INRA200) was isolated from a peak of flow sorted chromosomes 2 and 3. Another marker (INRA197) was derived from a cosmid. The localization of the cosmid by in situ hybridization enabled the orientation of the linkage group on BTA3. Markers were relatively evenly spaced and consequently can be used to complement other mapping data about this chromosome. This establishes a framework of polymorphic markers that can be used to search for quantitative trait loci (QTL).     

Assignment of rainbow trout linkage groups to specific chromosomes

The rainbow trout genetic linkage groups have been assigned to specific chromosomes in the OSU (2N=60) strain using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with BAC probes containing genes mapped to each linkage group. There was a rough correlation between chromosome size and size of the genetic linkage map in centimorgans for the genetic maps based on recombination from the female parent. Chromosome size and structure have a major impact on the female:male recombination ratio, which is much higher (up to 10:1 near the centromeres) on the larger metacentric chromosomes compared to smaller acrocentric chromosomes. Eighty percent of the BAC clones containing duplicate genes mapped to a single chromosomal location, suggesting that diploidization resulted in substantial divergence of intergenic regions. The BAC clones that hybridized to both duplicate loci were usually located in the distal portion of the chromosome. Duplicate genes were almost always found at a similar location on the chromosome arm of two different chromosome pairs, suggesting that most of the chromosome rearrangements following tetraploidization were centric fusions and did not involve homeologous chromosomes. The set of BACs compiled for this research will be especially useful in construction of genome maps and identification of QTL for important traits in other salmonid fishes.     

Integration of the Aedes aegypti mosquito genetic linkage and physical maps

Two approaches were used to correlate the Aedes aegypti genetic linkage map to the physical map. STS markers were developed for previously mapped RFLP-based genetic markers so that large genomic clones from cosmid libraries could be found and placed to the metaphase chromosome physical maps using standard FISH methods. Eight cosmids were identified that contained eight RFLP marker sequences, and these cosmids were located on the metaphase chromosomes. Twenty-one cDNAs were mapped directly to metaphase chromosomes using a FISH amplification procedure. The chromosome numbering schemes of the genetic linkage and physical maps corresponded directly and the orientations of the genetic linkage maps for chromosomes 2 and 3 were inverted relative to the physical maps. While the chromosome 2 linkage map represented essentially 100% of chromosome 2, approximately 65% of the chromosome 1 linkage map mapped to only 36% of the short p-arm and 83% of the chromosome 3 physical map contained the complete genetic linkage map. Since the genetic linkage map is a RFLP cDNA-based map, these data also provide a minimal estimate for the size of the euchromatic regions. The implications of these findings on positional cloning in A. aegypti are discussed.     

A genetic linkage map of the model legume Lotus japonicus and strategies for fast mapping of new loci

A genetic map for the model legume Lotus japonicus has been developed. The F(2) mapping population was established from an interspecific cross between L. japonicus and L. filicaulis. A high level of DNA polymorphism between these parents was the source of markers for linkage analysis and the map is based on a framework of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Additional markers were generated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence-specific PCR. A total of 524 AFLP markers, 3 RAPD markers, 39 gene-specific markers, 33 microsatellite markers, and six recessive symbiotic mutant loci were mapped. This genetic map consists of six linkage groups corresponding to the six chromosomes in L. japonicus. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with selected markers aligned the linkage groups to chromosomes as described in the accompanying article by Pedrosa et al. 2002(this issue). The length of the linkage map is 367 cM and the average marker distance is 0.6 cM. Distorted segregation of markers was found in certain sections of the map and linkage group I could be assembled only by combining colormapping and cytogenetics (FISH). A fast method to position genetic loci employing three AFLP primer combinations yielding 89 markers was developed and evaluated by mapping three symbiotic loci, Ljsym1, Ljsym5, and Ljhar1-3.     

Multicolor FISH Mapping with Alu-PCR-Amplified YAC Clone DNA Determines the Order of Markers in the BRCA1 Region on Chromosome 17q12-q21

A gene designated BRCA1, implicated in the susceptibility to early-onset familial breast cancer, has recently been localized to chromosome 17q12-q21. To date, the order of DNA markers mapped within this region has been based on genetic linkage analysis. We report the use of multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization to establish a physically based map of five polymorphic DNA markers and 10 cloned genes spanning this region. Three cosmid clones and Alu-PCR-generated products derived from 12 yeast artificial chromosome clones representing each of these markers were used in two-color mapping experiments to determine an initial proximity of markers relative to each other on metaphase chromosomes. Interphase mapping was then employed to determine the order and orientation of closely spaced loci by direct visualization of fluorescent signals following hybridization of three probes, each detected in a different color. Statistical analysis of the combined data suggests that the order of markers in the BRCA1 region is cen-THRA1-TOP2-GAS-OF2-17HSI)-248yg9-RNU2-OF3-PPY/p131-EPB3-Mfd188-WNT3-HOX2-GP3A-tel. This map is consistent with that determined by radiation-reduced hybrid mapping and will facilitate positional cloning strategies in efforts to isolate and characterize the BRCA1 gene.     

A cosmid clone for the 5HT1A receptor (HTR1A) reveals a TaqI RFLP that shows tight linkage to dna loci D5S6, D5S39, and D5S76.

A human neuroreceptor clone (G21), which was isolated by cross-hybridization with the human clone for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor, has recently been shown to encode the gene for the 5HT1A receptor (HTR1A) subtype. In situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes mapped the G21 sequence to chromosome 5 at bands 5q11.2-q13. The clone G21 recognizes a SacI RFLP with low heterozygosity (0.13). To increase the informativeness of the HTR1A locus we have isolated two new cosmid clones containing the receptor gene. No polymorphic microsatellites were present in the cosmids. However, one cosmid revealed a new TaqI RFLP that showed tight linkage to new highly polymorphic microsatellites for the loci D5S76, D5S39, and D5S6 in seven British and Icelandic reference pedigrees (maximum LOD of 13.2 with D5S76).     

Linkage maps of porcine Chromosomes 3, 6, and 9 based on 31 polymorphic markers

Linkage maps of porcine Chromosomes (Chrs) 3, 6, and 9, based on 31 polymorphic markers, are reported. The markers include 14 microsatellites, 12 RFLPs, three protein polymorphisms, and two blood group loci. The genetic interpretations of 11 RFLPs are documented. The markers were scored in a three-generation Wild Boar/Large White pedigree, and genetic maps were constructed on the basis of two-point and multi-point linkage analysis. Altogether the maps span a genetic distance of 216 cM, and previous physical assignments indicate that the linkage groups cover major parts of the three chromosomes. Significant differences in recombination rates between the sexes were observed for all three chromosomes. The recombination rate on the q arm of Chr 6 was markedly low. Sixteen loci are informative with regard to comparative mapping, that is, they have previously been mapped in the human and/or mouse genomes.     

An updated linkage and comparative map of porcine chromosome 18

Swine chromosome 18 (SSC18) has the poorest marker density in the USDA-MARC porcine linkage map. In order to increase the marker density, seven genes from human chromosome 7 (HSA7) expected to map to SSC18 were selected for marker development. The genes selected were: growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), GLI-Kruppel family member (GLI3), leptin (LEP), capping protein muscle Z-line alpha 2 subunit (CAPZA2), beta A inhibin (INHBA), T-cell receptor beta (TCRB) and T-cell receptor gamma (TCRG). Large-insert clones (YACs, BACs and cosmids) that contained these genes, as well as two previously mapped microsatellite markers (SW1808 and SW1984), were identified and screened for microsatellites. New microsatellite markers were developed from these clones and mapped. Selected clones were also physically assigned by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Fifteen new microsatellite markers were added to the SSC18 linkage map resulting in a map of 28 markers. Six genes have been included into the genetic map improving the resolution of the SSC18 and HSA7 comparative map. Assignment of TCRG to SSC9 has identified a break in conserved synteny between SSC18 and HSA7.     

Pig microsatellites isolated from cosmids revealing polymorphism and localized on chromosomes

One of the most widely studied simple sequences in the mammalian genome is the (TG)_n dinucleotide sequence. Because these microsatellites are highly polymorphic, we chose to study microsatellites from cosmids to provide genetic markers for the porcine genome. After screening a porcine cosmid library with a (CA)₁₀ probe, 20 cosmids containing microsatellites were subcloned and 17 microsatellites identified by sequencing. Oligonucleotide primers flanking the repeat were designed for seven (TG)_n microsatellites with n > 14. These seven microsatellites revealed polymorphism and were regionally assigned to chromosomes by fluorescent in situ hybridization of initial cosmids. These seven loci will be useful for both the construction of the genetic map and as landmark loci on the physical map of the porcine genome.     

Mapping muscle protein genes by in situ hybridization using biotin-labeled probes.

The genes coding for the myosin heavy chain isoforms (unc-54, myo-1, myo-2 and myo-3) and the actins (act-1,2,3 and act-4) have been mapped on the embryonic metaphase chromosomes of Caenorhabditis elegans by in situ hybridization. The genes were cloned in a cosmid vector and the entire cosmid was nick translated to incorporate biotin-labeled dUTP. This produced a probe DNA complementary to a 35-45 kb length of chromosomal DNA. The hybridization signal from the cosmid probe, detected by immunofluorescence, could be easily seen by eye. The clear signals and the specific hybridization of the cosmid probes provided a faster means of mapping these single copy genes than small probes cloned in plasmid or lambda vectors. The myosin heavy chain genes are not clustered. Only unc-54 and myo-1 mapped to the same chromosome; the unc-54 locus is at the extreme right end of linkage group I and myo-1 mapped 40-50% from the left end of linkage group I. Myo-2 mapped to the X, 52-75% from the left end. The myo-3 gene mapped to the middle of linkage group V near the cluster of three actin genes (act-1,2,3). The fourth actin gene, act-4 mapped to 20-35% from the left end of X.     

Regional mapping of the Batten disease locus (CLN3) to human chromosome 16p12

The gene for Batten disease (CLN3) has been mapped to human chromosome 16 by demonstration of linkage to the haptoglobin locus, and its localization has been further refined using a panel of DNA markers. The aim of this work was to refine the genetic and physical mapping of this disease locus. Genetic linkage analysis was carried out in a larger group of families by using markers for five linked loci. Multipoint analysis indicated a most likely location for CLN3 in the interval between D16S67 and D16S148 (Z = 12.5). Physical mapping of linked markers was carried out using somatic cell hybrid analysis and in situ hybridization. A mouse/human hybrid cell panel containing various segments of chromosome 16 has been constructed. The relative order and physical location of breakpoints in the proximal portion of 16p were determined. Physical mapping in this panel of the markers for the loci flanking CLN3 positioned them to the bands 16p12.1----16p12.3. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes by using these markers positioned them to the region 16p11.2-16p12.1. These results localize CLN3 to an interval of about 2 cM in the region 16p12.