Closure of a genetic linkage map of human chromosome 7q with centromere and telomere polymorphisms.

We have constructed a 2.4-cM resolution genetic linkage map for chromosome 7q that is bounded by centromere and telomere polymorphisms and contains 66 loci (88 polymorphic systems), 38 of which are uniquely placed with odds for order of at least 1000:1. Ten genes are included in the map and 11 markers have heterozygosities of at least 70%. This map is the first to incorporate several highly informative markers derived from a telomere YAC clone HTY146 (locus D7S427), including HTY146c3 (HET 92%). The telomere locus markers span at least 200 kb of the 7q terminus and no crossovers within the physical confines of the locus were observed in approximately 240 jointly informative meioses. The sex-equal map length is 158 cM and the largest genetic interval between uniquely localized markers in this map is 11 cM. The female and male map lengths are 181 and 133 cM, respectively. The map is based on the CEPH reference pedigrees and includes over 4000 new genotypes, our previously reported data plus 29 allele systems from the published CEPH version 5 database, and was constructed using the program package CRI-MAP. This genetic linkage map can be considered a baseline map for 7q, and will be useful for defining the extent of chromosome deletions previously reported for breast and prostate cancers, for developing additional genetic maps such as index marker and 1-cM maps, and ultimately for developing a fully integrated genetic and physical map for this chromosome.     

The CEPH consortium primary linkage map of human chromosome 10

The first CEPH consortium map, that of chromosome 10, is presented. This primary linkage map contains 28 continuously linked loci defined by genotypes generated from CEPH family DNAs with 37 probe and enzyme combinations. Cytogenetic localization of some of the genetic markers indicates that the consortium map extends, at least, from 10p13 to 10q26. The order of loci on the consortium map agrees with the physical localization data. The female map spans 309 cM (206 cM if an approximation of interference is included in the mapping function used to construct the map), and the mean genetic distance of intervals is 11 cM (7 cM). Also presented are maps of chromosome 10 from each of five CEPH collaborating laboratories, based on genotypes for all relevant markers in the CEPH database. The CEPH consortium map of chromosome 10 should be useful for localization of any gene of interest falling within the span covered. The genotypes in the chromosome 10 consortium map database are now available to the scientific community.     

Identification of two sex-specific quantitative trait loci in chromosome 11q for hip bone mineral density in Chinese

BACKGROUND: Chromosome 11q has not only been found to contain mutations responsible for the several Mendelian disorders of the skeleton, but it has also been linked to bone mineral density (BMD) variation in several genome-wide linkage studies. Furthermore, quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting BMD in inbred mice and baboons have been mapped to a region syntenic to human chromosome 11q. The aim of the present study is to determine whether there is a QTL for BMD variation on chromosome 11q in the Chinese population. METHODS: Nineteen microsatellite markers were genotyped for a 75 cM region on 11q13-25 in 306 Chinese families with 1,459 subjects. BMD (g/cm(2)) was measured by DXA. Linkage analyses were performed using the variance component linkage analysis method implemented in Merlin software. RESULTS: For women, a maximum LOD score of 1.62 was achieved at 90.8 cM on 11q21 near the marker D11S4175 for femoral neck BMD; LOD scores greater than 1.0 were observed on 11q13 for trochanter BMD. For men, a maximum LOD score of 1.57 was achieved at 135.8 cM on 11q24 near the marker D11S4126 for total hip BMD. CONCLUSION: We have not only replicated the previous linkage finding on chromosome 11q but also identified two sex-specific QTL that contribute to BMD variation in Chinese women and men.     

Fine mapping of the chromosome 11q22-23 region using PFGE, linkage and haplotype analysis; localization of the gene for ataxia telangiectasia to a 5cM region flanked by NCAM/DRD2 and STMY/CJ52.75, phi 2.22.

Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and a range of different enzyme digests, we have established that both markers of each of the pairs CJ52.208/YNB3.12, NCAM/DRD2, and STMY/CJ52.75, on chromosome 11q22-23, show physical linkage on a single DNA fragment. We have also shown, using genetic linkage and haplotype analyses, that these markers lie within a region of approximately 18cM, which, it has been shown previously, is likely to contain the A-T gene. The relative positions of these marker loci, and the distance between them was determined in order to construct a detailed map which has allowed a more precise localization of the A-T gene. We have shown that in pairwise linkage analysis the strongest support for linkage to the A-T gene was with the STMY/CJ52.75 locus (Z = 5.59, theta = 0.0). A three-point analysis using the results from STMY/CJ52.75 and the closely linked marker phi 2.22 gave Z = 5.55, theta = 0.03. Despite persisting evidence of some linkage to Thy-1 our results are consistent with the existence of a single A-T locus on chromosome 11q22-23 and our best estimate of the position of this locus places it between NCAM/DRD2 and (STMY/CJ52.75, F2.22) (Z = 6.74), a region of approximately 5cM in males.     

Linkage maps of microsatellite DNA markers for the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

We constructed male and female consensus linkage maps for the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, using a total of 102 microsatellite DNA markers typed in 11-day-old larvae from three families. We identified 11 and 12 linkage groups in the male and female consensus maps, respectively. Alignment of these separate maps, however, suggests 10 linkage groups, which agrees with the haploid chromosome number. The male linkage map comprises 88 loci and spans 616.1 cM, while the female map comprises 86 loci and spans 770.5 cM. The male and the female maps share 74 loci; 2 markers remain unlinked. The estimated coverages for the consensus linkage maps are 79% for the male and 70-75% for the female, on the basis of two estimates of genome length. Ninety-five percent of the genome is expected to lie within 16 and 21 cM of markers on the male and female maps, respectively, while 95% of simulated minimum distances to the male and female maps are within 10.1 and 13.6 cM, respectively. Females have significantly more recombination than males, across 118 pairs of linked markers in common to the parents of the three families. Significant differences in recombination and orders of markers are also evident among same-sex parents of different families as well as sibling parents of opposite sex. These observations suggest that polymorphism for chromosomal rearrangements may exist in natural populations, which could have profound implications for interpreting the evolutionary genetics of the oyster. These are the first linkage maps for a bivalve mollusc that use microsatellite DNA markers, which should enable them to be transferred to other families and to be useful for further genetic analyses such as QTL mapping.     

Genetic mapping of 14 short tandem repeat polymorphisms on human chromosome 22

We have constructed a linkage map of 14 short tandem repeat polymorphisms (11 with heterozygosity > 70%) on the long arm of human chromosome 22 using 23 non-CEPH pedigrees. Twelve of the markers could be positioned uniquely with a likelihood of at least 1,000:1, and distributed at an average distance of 6.62 cM (range 1.5–16.1 cM). The sex-combined map covers a total of 79.6 cM, the female map 93.2 cM and the male map 64.6 cM. Based on comparisons between physical maps and other genetic maps, we estimate that our map covers 70%–80% of the chromosome. The map integrates markers from previous genetic maps and uniquely positions one marker (D22S307). Data from physical mapping on the location of four genetic markers correlates well with our linkage map, and provides information on an additional marker (D22S315). This map will facilitate high resolution mapping of additional polymorphic loci and disease genes on chromosome 22, and act as a reference for building and verifying physical maps.     

Regional localization of a trophoblast antigen-related sequence and 16 other sequences to human chromosomes 6q using somatic cell hybrids.

Using a panel of 13 hybrid cell lines, we have regionally localized 22 markers to the long arm of chromosome 6. Revised or new locations are provided for 17 of the markers, and preliminary assignments to chromosome 6 of 11 loci are confirmed. The location of NT5, previously determined by antigen expression in hybrids, has been confirmed at 6q14-q15 by using a cDNA probe. Other DNA probes include one new anonymous sequence, designated D6S130, that maps to 6q12 and 4 VNTR probes that map to the proterminal band, 6q27. Probe CRI-L1065 also maps to 6q21, CRI-994 maps to 6q21-qter, and CRI-L322 maps to 6q14-15, information that may assist the merging of physical and genetic maps.     

Index, Comprehensive Microsatellite, and Unified Linkage Maps of Human Chromosome 14 with Cytogenetic Tie Points and a Telomere Microsatellite Marker

Three sets of linkage maps (index, comprehensive microsatellite, and unified) have been constructed for human chromosome 14 based on genotypes from the CEPH reference pedigrees. The index maps consist of 18 microsatellite markers, with heterozygosities of at least 68% and intermarker spacing no greater than 11 cM. The sex-average comprehensive microsatellite map is 125 cM in length and includes 115 markers with 54 loci uniquely placed with odds for marker order of at least 1000:1. The sex-average index map length is 121 cM, and the female- and male-specific maps are 143 and 101 cM, respectively. A unified map was also constructed from 147 loci (162 marker systems), which includes 32 RFLP markers in addition to the 115 microsatellites. The sex-average length of the unified map is 128 cM with 69 loci uniquely placed. Our maps are anchored by a microsatellite telomere marker sCAW1 (D14S826), developed from a telomere YAC clone TYAC196, which extends the linkage map to the physical terminus of the long arm of chromosome 14. Furthermore, we have also physically mapped seven of the loci by fluorescencein situhybridization of cosmid clones orAlu-PCR products amplified from YACs containing the marker sequences. Together with previously established cytogenetic map designations for other loci, our maps display links between genetic markers for 10 of 13 cytogenetic bands of chromosome 14 at the 550 genome band resolution.     

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.     

Detecting high-resolution polymorphisms in human coding loci by combining PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis.

A strategy is described that allows the development of polymorphic genetic markers to be characterized in individual genes. Segments of the 3' untranslated regions are amplified, and polymorphisms are detected by digestion with frequently cutting enzymes and with the detection of single-stranded conformation polymorphisms. This allows these genes, or DNA segments, to be placed on the linkage maps of human chromosomes. Polymorphisms in two genes have been identified using this approach. A HaeIII polymorphism was detected in the KIT proto-oncogene, physically assigned to chromosome 4q11-12. This polymorphism is linked to other chromosome 4p markers and is in linkage disequilibrium with a HindIII polymorphism previously described at this locus. We have also identified in the insulin-like growth factor1 receptor gene (IGF1R) a 2-bp deletion that is present at a frequency of .25 in the Caucasian population. Pedigree analysis with this insertion/deletion polymorphism placed the IGF1R gene at the end of the current linkage map of chromosome 15q, consistent with the physical assignment of 15q2526. Thus, polymorphisms in specific genes can be used to related the physical, genetic, and comparative maps of mammalian genomes and to simplify the testing of candidate genes for human diseases.     

A 14-Mb physical map of the region at chromosome 11q13 harboring the MEN1 locus and the tumor amplicon region.

We have constructed a physical map of chromosome 11q13, using 54 DNA markers that had been localized to 11q13.1----q13.5 by means of somatic hybrid cell panels. Although the map has some gaps, it spans nearly 14 Mb and includes the region containing the gene responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and also the region that is amplified in several types of malignant tumors. As the estimated average distance between each locus is roughly 300 kb, the markers reported here will be valuable resources for construction of contig maps with yeast artificial chromosomes and/or cosmid clones. Furthermore, these clones will be useful in efforts to identify the MEN1 gene and in analyses of the amplification units present at 11q13 in certain tumors.     

Characterization of a translocation within the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis region of chromosome 17

The genetic defect causing von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) has been mapped to the proximal long arm of chromosome 17 by linkage analysis. Flanking markers have been identified, bracketing NF1 in 17q11.2 and laying the foundation for isolating the disease gene. Recently, a family in which a mother and her two children show both the symptoms of NF1 and the presence of a balanced translocation, t(1;17)(p34.3;q11.2), has been identified. We have examined the possibility that the translocation has occurred in or near the NF1 gene by constructing a somatic cell hybrid line containing the derivative chromosome 1 (1qter-p34.3::17q11-qter). On chromosome 1, the breakpoint occurred between SRC2 and D1S57, which are separated by 14 cM. The translocation breakpoint was localized on chromosome 17 between D17S33 and D17S57, markers that also flank NF1 within a region of 4 cM. These data are consistent with the possibility that the translocation event is the cause of NF1 in this pedigree. Consequently, the isolation of the translocation breakpoint, by approach from either the chromosome 1 or the chromosome 17 side, may facilitate the identification of the NF1 gene.     

Twelve loci form a continuous linkage map for human chromosome 18

We have constructed a primary genetic map of human chromosome 18 consisting of 11 DNA markers and one serological marker (JK). Two of these loci define highly polymorphic VNTR systems. The markers define a continuous genetic linkage map of 97 cM in males and 205 cM in females; female genetic distances in a panel of 59 three-generation families were consistently about twice those observed in males. The high odds in support of the linear order of the markers on this recombination map, and the extent of coverage of chromosome 18, indicate that this map will permit efficient linkage studies of human genetic diseases that may be segregating on chromosome 18 and will provide anchor points for development of high-resolution maps for this chromosome.     

Frequent recombination is observed in the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 14

We have constructed a high-resolution map of the distal region (q32) of the long arm of human chromosome 14, with 11 loci including 6 variable number of tandem repeat markers. The map covers 66 cM in males and 53 cM in females. The recombination frequency in this region is more than five times that expected in a region of this physical size, and in our data set the frequency in males was higher than that in females at some intervals. This unusually high density of crossingover occurs in a part of chromosome 14 where translocations are frequently observed in somatic cells.     

Linkage analysis narrows the critical region for oculodentodigital dysplasia to chromosome 6q22-q23.

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is an autosomal dominant condition with high penetrance and variable expressivity. The anomalies of the craniofacial region, eyes, teeth, and limbs indicate abnormal morphogenesis during early fetal development. Neurologic abnormalities occur later in life and appear to be secondary to white matter degeneration and basal ganglia changes. In familial cases, the dysmorphic and/or neurodegenerative components of the phenotype can be more severe and/or present at a younger age in subsequent generations, suggesting genetic anticipation. These clinical features suggest that the ODDD gene is pleiotropic with important functions throughout pre- and postnatal development. We have performed two-point linkage analysis with seven ODDD families and 19 microsatellite markers on chromosome 6q spanning a genetic distance of approximately 11 cM in males and 20 cM in females. We have refined the location of the ODDD gene between DNA markers D6S266/D6S261 (centromeric) and D6S1639 (telomeric), an interval of 1.01 (male) to 2.87 (female) cM. The strongest linkage was to DNA marker D6S433 (Zmax = 8.96, thetamax = 0.001). Families show significant linkage to chromosome 6q22-q23 and no evidence for genetic heterogeneity.     

A collection of ordered tetranucleotide-repeat markers from the human genome. The Utah Marker Development Group.

A collection of 1,069 human PCR-based genetic markers has been developed, and their distribution over the 22 autosomes and the X chromosome has been determined. Each marker was developed around a short-tandem-repeat DNA sequence. The majority (85%) of the markers described here were selected to contain tetranucleotide repeats, because these repeats show better stability during PCR than do dinucleotide repeats. Linkage maps constructed from genotypes collected with these markers in four CEPH pedigrees (1331, 1332, 1362, and 884) covered 3,417 cM of the human genome. More than 600 of the loci revealed heterozygosities > .70. Overall, 444 loci were ordered, with odds > 100:1 against inversion of adjacent loci. The average distance between markers was 7.4 cM on the autosomes and 24.8 cM on the X chromosome. Likely locations (100:1 odds intervals) were assigned for the remaining 621 short-tandem-repeat polymorphisms, as well as for 160 other markers that are present on the framework maps published by the Cooperative Human Linkage Center. Four markers specific to the Y chromosome are also reported here. From our maps, 347 markers were chosen to define "index" maps for each of the 22 autosomes. The index markers detect loci with an average heterozygosity of .85 and cover 3,169 cM of the autosomes, with an average distance between markers of 9.2 cM. These polymorphic short tandem repeats will be highly useful as reagents for the ongoing genetic and physical mapping of the human genome and for characterization of genetic changes in cancer.     

A detailed genetic map of the long arm of chromosome 11

We describe 14 new restriction fragment length polymorphisms, corresponding to 13 loci on the long arm of chromosome 11. A detailed genetic map of chromosome 11q has been constructed from these and other loci (a total of 31 loci) typed in 59 reference families. The 23 most informative markers were selected to establish a map with a strongly supported order; regional localizations are provided for eight other markers. The loci span 88 cM in males and 148 cM in females and form a dense continuum on 11q. These ordered polymorphic markers will be of help in studying the genes responsible for several diseases that have been localized to this region, including genes responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1), ataxia telangiectasia (AT), tuberous sclerosis (TSC), and some forms of asthma and rhinitis.     

Physical Mapping of Rice Chromosomes 4 and 7 Using YAC Clones

Physical maps of rice chromosomes 4 and 7 were constructed bylanding yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) along our high-densitymolecular linkage map. Using 114 DNA markers, 258 individualYACs were located on chromosome 4. Sixty-two out of 258 YACscarried two or more DNA marker positions and formed 16 contigswhich covered a total length of 17.1 cM. The other YACs werearranged to 23 positions. On chromosome 7, 203 individual YACswere landed on 109 DNA markers. Sixty-four out of 203 YACs formed15 contigs which covered a total length of 21.8 cM and 139 YACswere localized to 26 positions. Chromosomes 4 and 7 were coveredwith minimum tiling paths of 45 and 48 YACs, respectively. Takingthe average size of YAC insert DNA to be 350 kb and the entiregenome size to be 430 Mb, about 16–18 Mb of each chromosomeor an estimated 50% of their total lengths have been coveredwith YACs. Physical maps of these 2 chromosomes should be ofgreat help in identifying useful trait genes and unravelinggenetic and biological characteristics in rice.     

Fine mapping and SNP analysis of positional candidates at the preeclampsia susceptibility locus (PREG1) on chromosome 2

Genome scans in Icelandic, Australian and New Zealand, and Finnish families have localized putative susceptibility loci for preeclampsia/ eclampsia to chromosome 2. The locus mapped in the Australian and New Zealand study (designated PREG1) was thought to be the same locus as that identified in the Icelandic study. In both these studies, two distinct quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions were evident on chromosome 2. Here, we describe our fine mapping of the PREG1 locus and a genetic analysis of two positional candidate genes. Twenty-five additional microsatellite markers were genotyped within the 74-cM linkage region defined by the combined Icelandic and Australian and New Zealand genome scans. The overall position and shape of the localization evidence obtained using nonparametric multipoint analysis did not change from that seen previously in our 10-cM resolution genome scan; two peaks were displayed, one on chromosome 2p at marker D2S388 (107.46 cM) and the other on chromosome 2q at 151.5 cM at marker D2S2313. Using the robust two-point linkage analysis implemented in the Analyze program, all 25 markers gave positive LOD scores with significant evidence of linkage being seen at marker D2S2313 (151.5 cM), achieving a LOD score of 3.37 under a strict diagnostic model. Suggestive evidence of linkage was seen at marker D2S388 (107.46 cM) with a LOD score of 2.22 under the general diagnostic model. Two candidate genes beneath the peak on chromosome 2p were selected for further analysis using public single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these genes. Maximum LOD scores were obtained for an SNP in TACR1 (LOD = 3.5) and for an SNP in TCF7L1 (LOD = 3.33), both achieving genome-wide significance. However, no evidence of association was seen with any of the markers tested. These data strongly support the presence of a susceptibility gene on chromosome 2p11-12 and substantiate the possibility of a second locus on chromosome 2q23.     

Regional mapping panel for human chromosome 17: Application to neurofibromatosis type 1

A somatic cell hybrid mapping panel was constructed to localize cloned DNA sequences to any of 15 potentially different regions of human chromosome 17. Relatively high-resolution mapping is possible for 50% of the chromosome length in which 12 breakpoints are distributed over approximately 45 megabases, with an average spacing estimated at 1 breakpoint every 2-7 megabases. This high-resolution capability includes the pericentromeric region of 17 to which von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) has recently been mapped. Using 20 cloned genes and anonymous probes, we have tested the expected order and location of panel breakpoints and confirmed, refined, or corrected the regional assignment of several cloned genes and anonymous probes. Four markers with varying degrees of linkage to NF1 have been physically localized and ordered by the panel: the loosely linked markers myosin heavy chain 2 (25 cM) to p12----13.105 and nerve growth factor receptor (14 cM) to q21.1----q23; the more closely linked pABL10-41 (D17S71, 5 cM) to p11.2; and the tightly linked pHHH202 (D17S33) to q11.2-q12. Thus, physical mapping of linked markers confirms a pericentromeric location of NF1 and, along with other data, suggests the most likely localization is proximal 17q.