OLETF allele of hyperglycemic QTL Nidd3/of is dominant.

The OLETF rat is a well-established model for the study of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity and has been shown to possess multiple hyperglycemic alleles in its genome. Here we focused on and carefully characterized one of the previously reported congenic strains, F.O-Nidd3/of that carries the OLETF allele of the Nidd3/of locus (also known as Niddm21 in the Rat Genome Database) in the normoglycemic F344 genetic background. A prominent finding was that the F1 progeny between the congenic and the F344 stain, whose genotype is heterozygote at the Nidd3/of locus, showed mild hyperglycemia equal to the parental congenic rat, suggesting that the OLETF allele is dominant. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which a diabetic QTL has been directly demonstrated to be dominant by using congenic strains.     

Examination of OLETF-derived non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus QTL by construction of a series of congenic rats

The Otuska Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is one of the well-characterized animal models for the study of type 2 diabetes. Our previous QTL mapping identified 11 loci responsible for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) susceptibility in the OLETF rat. Here we generated a series of congenic animals by individually introgressing all 11 OLETF-derived NIDDM loci into a normoglycemic F344 background. Subsequent oral glucose tolerance test revealed that the congenic strains for Nidd1/of, Nidd2/of, Nidd3/of Nidd4/of, Nidd7/of, and Nidd10/of showed significantly higher levels of blood glucose in comparison with parental host strain F344. Furthermore, simultaneously made heterozygote animals for Nidd1/of and Nidd2/of did not increase blood glucose levels, indicating that these loci are recessively inherited as predicted by the QTL analysis. Congenic strains for the other five loci—Nidd5/of, Nidd6/of, Nidd8/of, Nidd9/of, and Nidd11/of—were apparently normoglycemic, presumably owing to heterosis or because the effect of these loci may not be detected unless interactions with other OLETF genes exist. We believe that these congenic strains should provide useful agents for decomposing complex diabetic traits and for positional cloning.     

A congenic strain (F344.OLETF-Imfm) displays the existence of intramuscular fat accumulation QTL on rat chromosome 1.

A genomic region between D1Wox8 and D1Rat90 on rat chromosome 1 was previously shown to be linked to intramuscular fat accumulation by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using a F2 population derived from the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat, which exhibits an increase in the levels of intramuscular fat content in Musculus longissimus, and the F344 rat. There exist two regions showing major and minor lod peaks for linkage to intramuscular fat accumulation, in the chromosomal region. We constructed a congenic strain introgressing the OLETF allele on the minor but not the major lod peak region in the F344 rat strain. The congenic strain had higher levels of intramuscular fat content in Musculus longissimus than the inbred partner F344 rat, thereby proving the existence of a QTL, designated Imfm (for Intramuscular fat-minor), responsible for the intramuscular fat accumulation in the congenic region of the minor lod peak region of about 10 cM. The F344.OLETF-Imfm congenic strain might provide a refined tool for the analysis of the gene causing intramuscular fat accumulation.     

Identification of epistatic interactions involved in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rat.

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese-type non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in humans. Our present investigation was designed to identify epistatic interactions influencing NIDDM by performing least squares analysis of variance of all pairs of informative markers in 160 F2 progenies bred from an intercross of OLETF and Fischer-344 rats. We identified four interactions between Nidd15/of (chromosome 7) and Nidd16/of (chromosome 14), Nidd15/of and Nidd17/of (chromosome 15), Nidd16/of and Nidd18/of (chromosome 15), and Nidd16/of and Nidd19/of (chromosome 17), which account for a total of approximately 40% of the genetic variation of entire glucose levels after glucose challenge in the F2. The Nidd16/of locus, which is involved in three of four digenic interactions, and the Nidd19/of are likely to correspond to Nidd2/of and Nidd14/of, NIDDM loci previously identified in the F2 by single-QTL model and multiple-QTL model, respectively, while Nidd15/of, Nidd17/of and Nidd18/of loci reflect novel NIDDM loci. An aberrant increase of the entire glucose level due to synergism occurs in the double OLETF homozygote genotype of Nidd15/of and Nidd16/of, and of Nidd16/of and Nidd19/of, as well as in the OLETF homozygote genotypes of Nidd15/of and Nidd16/of, respectively, combined with the heterozygote genotypes of Nidd17/of and Nidd18/of. These findings demonstrate that inter-allelic interactions are likely to be an important component of NIDDM susceptibility.     

Capn10, a candidate gene responsible for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the OLETF rat

The rat strain Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) is an animal model for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nidd8/of has been identified as one of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in the diabetes by a whole genome search in 160 F2 progenies obtained by mating the OLETF and F344 rats. Comparative mapping between human and rat indicated that the Nidd8/of genomic region, near D9rat21 on rat chromosome 9, contains the calpain10 (Capn10) gene, which is putative type 2 diabetes-susceptibility gene in humans. In this study, we found no difference in Capn10 mRNA expression in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle and pancreas between OLETF and F344 rats at 5 and 10 weeks of age. However, we found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A/A genotype in OLETF and G/G genotype in F344 and LETO rats) at the base 583 downstream from the translation start site in the rat Capn10 cDNA sequence. This SNP was deduced to substitute serine (OLETF) for glycine (F344 and LETO) at the 195 amino acid residue within the protease domain of rat Capn10. Because serine is generally not interchangeable with glycine in respect of the protein structure and function, it was deduced that the A/A genotype in OLETF is not a 'safe' mutation. This non-conservative amino acid substitution might be associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in OLETF rats.     

Effects of Dmo1 on obesity, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty strain

Whole-genome scans have identified Dmo1 as a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for obesity and dyslipidaemia in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat. We have produced congenic rats for the Dmo1 locus, using marker-assisted speed congenic protocols, enforced by selective removal of other QTL regions (QTL-marker-assisted counterselection), to efficiently transfer chromosomal segments from non-diabetic Fischer 344 (F344) rats into the OLETF background. In the third generation of congenic animals, we observed a substantial therapeutic effect of the Dmo1 locus on lipid metabolism, obesity control and plasma glucose homeostasis. We conclude that single-allele correction of an impaired genetic pathway can generate a substantial therapeutic effect, despite the complex polygenic nature of type II diabetic syndromes.     

Identification of novel non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus susceptibility loci in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rat by MQM-mapping method

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese-type, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in humans. We have previously identified 11 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for NIDDM susceptibility on Chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 16 (Nidd1–11/of for Non-insulin-dependent diabetes1–11/oletf) by using the interval mapping method in 160 F₂ progenies obtained by mating the OLETF and the Fischer-344 (F344) rats. MQM-mapping, which was applied for QTL analysis based on multiple-QTL models, is reported to be more powerful than interval mapping, because in the process of mapping one QTL the genetic background, which contains the other QTLs, is controlled. Application of MQM-mapping in the F₂ intercrosses has led to a revelation of three novel QTLs on rat Chrs 5 (Nidd12/of), 7 (Nidd13/of), and 17 (Nidd14/of), in addition to Nidd1–11/of loci. The three QTLs, together with the Nidd1–11/of, account for a total of ∼70% and ∼85% of the genetic variance of the fasting and postprandial glucose levels, respectively, in the F₂. While the OLETF allele corresponds with increased glucose levels as expected for Nidd12 and 14/of, the Nidd13/of exhibits heterosis: heterozygotes showing significantly higher glucose levels than OLETF or F344 homozygotes. There is epistatic interaction between Nidd2 and 14/of. Additionally, our results indicated that the novel QTLs could show no linkage with body weight, but Nidd12/of has an interaction with body weight. Received: 23 February 1999 / Accepted: 3 August 1999     

Mapping and characterization of quantitative trait loci for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with an improved genetic map in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rat

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese-type, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in humans. We have previously reported four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for NIDDM on Chromosomes (Chrs) 7, 14, 8, and 11 (Nidd1–4/of for Non-insulin-dependent diabetes1–4/oletf) by a whole-genome search in 160 F₂ progenies obtained by mating the OLETF and the Fischer-344 (F344) rats. Our present investigation was designed to identify and characterize novel QTLs affecting NIDDM by performing a genome-wide linkage analysis of genes for glucose levels and body weight and analysis for gene-to-gene and gene-to-body-weight interactions on an improved genetic map with a set of 382 informative markers in the 160 F₂ progenies. We have identified seven novel QTLs on rat Chrs 1 (Nidd5 and 6/of), 5 (Nidd7/of), 9 (Nidd8/of), 12 (Nidd9/of), 14 (Nidd10/of) and 16 (Nidd11/of) which, together with the Nidd1–4/of, account for a total of ∼60% and ∼75% of the genetic variance of the fasting and postprandial glucose levels, respectively, in the F₂. While the OLETF allele corresponds with increased glucose levels as expected for the novel QTLs except Nidd8 and 9/of, the Nidd8 and 9/of exhibit heterosis: heterozygotes showing significantly higher glucose levels than OLETF or F344 homozygotes. There are epistatic interactions between Nidd1 and 10/of and between Nidd2 and 8/of. Additionally, our results indicated that the Nidd6 and 11/of could also contribute to an increase of body weight, and that the other five QTLs could show no linkage with body weight, but Nidd8,9, and 10/of have an interaction with body weight. Received: 10 August 1998 / Accepted: 17 November 1998     

Fine mapping of a murine growth locus to a 1.4-cM region and resolution of linked QTL

Previous work identified a QTL affecting murine size (particularly tail length) in a cross between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice and refined its location to an 8-cM region between D1Mit30 and D1Mit57. The present study used recombinant progeny testing to fine map this QTL. Individuals from a partially congenic strain carrying chromosomes recombinant between D1Mit30 and D1Mit57 were mated to DBA/2J, generating 942 progeny. Two QTL affecting 10-week tail length were identified in this population: one at 9.7 cM distal to D1Mit30 (the position estimated in previous work), and another of smaller effect near D1Mit30. A second population (n=787) was generated by mating siblings from the progeny test population that were heterozygous for the same segment of chromosome, including only recombinants between D1Mit265 and D1Mit57. In the latter population, two QTL were also identified: one at 10.2 cM distal to D1Mit30, and another of smaller effect at the distal end of the mapped region (at D1Mit150). When the two populations were analyzed together, the estimated location of the central QTL was 10.2 cM distal to D1Mit30 and there was marginally significant evidence of the distal QTL. The central QTL explained approximately 7% of the phenotypic variance, and the 95% confidence interval for its position (determined by bootstrapping) was a 1.4-cM region, approximately the region from D1Mit451 to D1Mit219. The central QTL also affected tail length and body mass at 3 and 6 weeks of age, but to a lesser degree than 10-week tail length.     

A novel mouse Chromosome 2 congenic strain with obesity phenotypes

Linkage studies have identified many chromosomal regions containing obesity genes in mice. However, only a few of these quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been used to guide the production of congenic mouse strains that retain obesity phenotypes. We seek to identify chromosomal regions containing obesity genes in the BSB model of spontaneous obesity because the BSB model is a multigenic obesity model. Previous studies identified QTLs on Chromosomes (Chrs) 2, 6, 7,12, and 15. BSB mice are made by backcross of lean C57BL/6J × Mus spretus. F₁s were backcrossed to C57BL/6J mice to produce BSB progeny. We have constructed a new BSB cross and produced congenic mice with obesity phenotypes by marker-directed selection called B6.S–D2Mit194–D2Mit311. We found a highly significant QTL for percentage body lipid on Chr 2 just proximal to the Agouti locus. Chr 2 congenics were constructed to determine whether the main effects would be detectable. We observed highly significant linkage of the Chr 2 congenic containing Agouti and containing markers distal to D2Mit311 and proximal to D2Mit194. Thus, this congenic contains approximately 14.6 cM or 30 Mb (about 1.1% of the spretus mouse genome) and several hundred genes. The obesity phenotype of the QTL is retained in the congenic. The congenic can now be used to model the genetic and physiological basis for a relatively simple, perhaps monogenic, obesity.     

Identification of possible quantitative trait loci responsible for hyperglycaemia after 70% pancreatectomy using a spontaneously diabetogenic rat

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese-type non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in humans. The OLETF rat exhibits sustained hyperglycaemia after partial pancreatectomy, while the normal control rat does not. This difference is thought to be genetically determined and to be caused by impairment of beta-cell regrowth, a possible event involved in the pathogenesis of NIDDM. Our investigation was designed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for post-pancreatectomy hyperglycaemia by performing a genome-wide scan in an F2 intercross obtained by mating the OLETF and Fischer-344 (F344) rats. We have identified three possible QTL on rat chromosomes (Chrs) 3, 14 and 19 that account for a total of approximately 75% of the genetic variance in the F2. For the QTL on Chr 14, the OLETF allele corresponds with increased glucose levels, as expected. Surprisingly, for the QTL on Chr 19, the F344 allele corresponds with increased glucose levels. The Chr 3 QTL exhibits heterosis, heterozygotes showing significantly higher glucose levels than OLETF or F344 homozygotes. We also found evidence for interaction (epistasis) between the QTL on Chrs 14 and 19.     

Genetic determinants of plasma triglyceride levels in (OLETF x BN) x OLETF backcross rats

Altered lipid metabolism is closely associated with diabetes in humans, although predisposing genetic factors that affect hyperlipidemia have not yet been clarified. Our previously established OLETF strain is an obese rat model of type II diabetes, exhibiting hypertriglycemia as well as hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and abundant abdominal fat. To identify genetic factors responsible for dyslipidemic phenotypes in OLETF rats, we performed a whole-genome scan using 293 male (OLETF x BN) x OLETF backcross rats. Our analysis identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs), on rat chromosomes 1 and 8, that are related to fasting triglyceride levels. The chromosome 1 QTL colocalized with Dmo1 (diabetes mellitus, OLETF type 1), a locus previously shown to associate strongly with both fat levels and body weight. The other significant QTL localizes to the chromosome 8 marker D8Mit2, in a region where several apo-lipoprotein genes are clustered.     

Multiple blood pressure QTL on rat Chromosome 2 defined by congenic Dahl rats

Linkage analysis previously demonstrated a blood pressure quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat Chromosome 2 (Chr 2) in crosses utilizing Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats. The present work dissects this QTL by using congenic strains in which segments of Chr 2 from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) are placed on the S genetic background. Two distinct QTLs were found where one QTL was anticipated. These each accounted for a blood pressure of 15–20 mm Hg in rats fed 2% NaCl diet for 24 days. One QTL was in the <9-cM interval between D2Rat35 and D2Wox18 (Fgg), and the other was in the <7-cM interval between D2Wox18 (Fgg) and D2Mgh10. A third tentative QTL was suggested, but not clearly established, in the <3-cM interval between D2Mgh10 and D2Rat259. Received: 26 July 2001 / Accepted 6 September 2001     

Epistasis between hyperglycemic QTLs revealed in a double congenic of the OLETF rat

Glucose homeostasis is believed to be regulated by multiple genetic components, in addition to numerous external factors. It is therefore crucial to dissect and understand what roles each causative gene plays in maintaining proper glucose metabolism. In OLETF (Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty) rat, a model of polygenic type 2 diabetes, at least 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing plasma glucose levels were identified. In congenic strains some of the OLETF allelic variants were shown to increase glucose levels. In this study the focus was on two of the hyperglycemic loci, Nidd1/of and Nidd2/of. Congenic rats possessing OLETF genome fragment at either locus showed similar levels of mild hyperglycemia. A newly established double congenic rat showed a further aggravation of hyperglycemia. The Nidd1/of locus was also shown to function in the reduction of plasma leptin levels and fat weights, while the Nidd2/of locus led to increased plasma insulin and fat weights. Interestingly, both plasma leptin and fat weights reverted to the control levels in the double congenic rat. These results indicate that there is an epistatic interaction between the two loci. However, it is unlikely that the abnormal level of enhanced glucose homeostasis is mediated, at least not directly, by leptin or fat mass.     

Recombinant congenic strains derived from A/J and C57BL/6J: a tool for genetic dissection of complex traits

Complex genetic traits can be dissected in mice, using well-defined sets of recombinant inbred strains, congenic strains, and recombinant congenic strains (RCS). We report the creation of a series of 37 independent RCS derived from the commonly used inbred strains of laboratory mouse A/J (A) and C57BL/6J (B6). These RCS were derived by systematic inbreeding of independent pairs of animals from a (F1 x A) x A and a (F1 x B) x B double backcross (N3), to create AcB and BcA strains, respectively. Fifteen AcB strains and 22 BcA strains at between 18 and 30 generations of inbreeding have been generated, are healthy, and show stable breeding performance. These strains have been genotyped for a total of 625 informative microsatellite DNA markers covering the entire genome, with an average spacing of 2.6 cM. Haplotype analyses indicate that on average, AcB and BcA strains contain 13.25% of the donor genome, a value close to the 12.5% expected from the breeding scheme used in their creation. In the AcB set, approximately 79% of the B6 genome has been transferred in independent strains, while in the BcA set approximately 84% of the A genome is represented on the B6 background. This represents an excellent coverage of congenic segments from both parental genomes in the two sets of strains, which can now be used to map simple and complex traits in a genome-wide fashion. As an example of the power of AcB/BcA strains as a mapping tool, the 37 strains were typed for susceptibility to infection with Legionella pneumophila, a monogenic trait controlled by the Lgn1 locus on Chromosome 13. Analysis of the strain distribution pattern of L. pneumophila susceptibility allowed direct mapping of Lgn1 to a 3-cM interval. The AcB/BcA set should prove a useful tool with which to investigate the complex genetic basis of known interstrain differences between A and B6 for many important diseases.     

Genetic dissection of collagen-induced arthritis in Chromosome 10 quantitative trait locus speed congenic rats: evidence for more than one regulatory locus and sex influences

Rat Chromosome 10 (RNO10) harbors Cia5, a non-MHC quantitative trait locus (QTL) that regulates the severity of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DAxF344 and DAxBN F2 rats. CIA is an animal model with many features that resemble rheumatoid arthritis. To facilitate analysis of Cia5 independently of the other CIA regulatory loci on other chromosomes, DA recombinant QTL speed congenic rats, DA.F344(Cia5), were generated. These QTL congenic rats have a large chromosomal segment containing Cia5 (interval size < or =80.1 cM) from CIA-resistant F344 rats introgressed into their genome. Phenotypic analyses of these rats for susceptibility and severity of CIA confirmed that Cia5 is an important disease-modifying locus. CIA severity was significantly lower in the Cia5 congenic rats than in DA controls. We also generated DA Cia5 speed sub-congenic rats, DA.F344(Cia5a), which had a smaller segment of the F344 genome, Cia5a, comprising only the distal q-telomeric end (interval size < or = 22.5 cM) of Cia5, introgressed into their genome. DA.F344(Cia5a) sub-congenic rats also exhibited reduced CIA disease severity compared with the parental DA rats. The regulatory effects in both congenic strains were sex influenced. The disease-ameliorating effect of the larger fragment, Cia5, was greater in males than in females, but the effect of the smaller fragment, Cia5a, was greater in females. We also present an improved genetic linkage map covering the Cia5/Cia5a region, which we have integrated with two rat radiation hybrid maps. Comparative homology analysis of this genomic region with mouse and human chromosomes was also undertaken. Regulatory loci for multiple autoimmune/inflammatory diseases in rats (RNO10), mice (MMU11), and humans (HSA17 and HSA5q23-q31) map to chromosomal segments homologous to Cia5 and Cia5a.     

Genetic association between low expression phenotype of CD62L (L-selectin) in peripheral CD4+ T cells and the thid (T-helper immunodeficiency) phenotype in the LEC rat.

Genetic linkage analysis was performed between the low expression phenotype of peripheral CD4+ T cells and the thid (T-helper immunodeficiency) phenotype using (BN x LEC)F1 x LEC backcross progenies. In contrast to a previous result using a thid congenic strain that the low expression phenotype of CD62L was not correlated with the thid phenotype, our result in this study indicated that the low expression phenotype of CD62L was genetically linked with the thid phenotype. The discrepancy between the previous and present results may be due to the source of animals, congenic strain versus backcross progenies. It is suggested by this study that the thid locus controls the expression level of CD62L in peripheral CD4+ T cells.     

Fine mapping reveals sex bias in quantitative trait loci affecting growth, skeletal size and obesity-related traits on mouse chromosomes 2 and 11

Previous speed congenic analysis has suggested that the expression of growth and obesity quantitative trait loci (QTL) on distal mouse chromosomes (MMU) 2 and 11, segregating between the CAST/EiJ (CAST) and C57BL/6J-hg/hg (HG) strains, is dependent on sex. To confirm, fine map, and further evaluate QTL x sex interactions, we constructed congenic by recipient F2 crosses for the HG.CAST-(D2Mit329-D2Mit457)N(6) (HG2D) and HG.CAST-(D11Mit260-D11Mit255)N(6) (HG11) congenic strains. Over 700 F2 mice were densely genotyped and phenotyped for a panel of 40 body and organ weight, skeletal length, and obesity-related traits at 9 weeks of age. Linkage analysis revealed 20 QTL affecting a representative subset of phenotypes in HG2DF2 and HG11F2 mice. The effect of sex was quantified by comparing two linear models: the first model included sex as an additive covariate and the second incorporated sex as an additive and an interactive covariate. Of the 20 QTL, 8 were sex biased, sex specific, or sex antagonistic. Most traits were regulated by single QTL; however, two closely linked loci were identified for five traits in HG2DF2 mice. Additionally, the confidence intervals for most QTL were significantly reduced relative to the original mapping results, setting the stage for quantitative trait gene (QTG) discovery. These results highlight the importance of assessing the contribution of sex in complex trait analyses.     

Genetic dissection of ``OLETF', a rat model for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

To elucidate the genetic factors underlying non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we performed genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, using the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat. The OLETF rat is an excellent animal model of NIDDM because the features of the disease closely resemble human NIDDM. Genetic dissection with two kinds of F2 intercross progeny, from matings between the OLETF rat and non-diabetic control rats F344 or BN, allowed us to identify on Chromosome (Chr) 1 a major QTL associated with features of NIDDM that was common to both crosses. We also mapped two additional significant loci, on Chrs 7 and 14, in the (OLETF × F344)F₂ cross alone, and designated these three loci as Diabetes mellitus, OLETF type Dmo 1, Dmo2 and Dmo3 respectively. With regard to suggestive QTLs, we found loci on Chrs 10, 11, and 16 that were common to both crosses, as well as loci on Chrs 5 and 12 in the (OLETF × F344)F₂ cross and on Chrs 4 and 13 in the (OLETF × BN)F₂ cross. Our results showed that NIDDM in the OLETF rat is polygenic and demonstrated that different genetic backgrounds could affect ``fitness' for QTLs and produce different phenotypic effects from the same locus. Received: 9 October 1997 / Accepted: 29 January 1998