Four polymorphic markers on rat chromosome 12 form a single linkage group

Four PCR-typable polymorphic markers were mapped to rat chromosome 12 by linkage analysis of F₂ intercross progeny of Fischer (F344/N) and Lewis (LEW/N) rat strains. The markers formed a single linkage group, covering 27.7 cM, with the following order and distance between markers: plasminogen activator inhibitor (Planh)—0.0 cM—phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-related sequence 2 (Pepckr2)—15.4 cM—anonymous marker (D12N155)—12.3 cM—serine dehydratase (Sdh). All markers were identified and genotyped by PCR analysis of simple sequence repeats. The gene encoding Planh was previously assigned to rat chromosome 12, which allowed us to assign the entire linkage group to this chromosome. These markers were highly polymorphic in 13 additional inbred rat strains (BUF/N, BN/SsN, WKY/N, MNR/N, LER/N, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, MR/N, LOU/MN, SHR/N, ACI/N, SR/Jr, and SS/Jr). These markers should be useful tools for further genetic studies in rats.     

Map of seven polymorphic markers on rat Chromosome 14: linkage conservation with human Chromosome 4

Seven polymorphic markers identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, including markers for six genes—DRD1L (dopamine receptor, D1-like-2), GLUKA (glucokinase), PF4 (platelet factor 4), ALB (albumin), AFP (-fetoprotein), and BSP (bone sialoprotein)—and one anonymous locus (D14N52), were mapped to a single 67-cM linkage group with F₂ intercross progeny of F344/N and LEW/N inbred rat strains. Two of these markers, ALB and AFP, have previously been assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 14, allowing assignment of this entire linkage group. Five of the markers—DRD1L, PF4, ALB, AFP, and PBSP—have been physically mapped to a large region of human Chr 4 encompassing the p arm and the q arm to band q28. Homologs of two of the markers, ALB and AFP, have been mapped to Chr 5 in the mouse. Comparison of human Chr 4 with the homologous regions on Chr 14 of the rat and Chr 5 of the mouse indicated that linkage conservation with human Chr 4 extends over a greater region in the rat than in the mouse. The markers described here were found to be highly polymorphic in twelve inbred strains (F344/N, LEW/N, ACI/N, BUF/N, BN/SsN, LOU/MN, MNR/N, MR/N, SHR/N, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, and WKY/N). These polymorphic markers should be useful in genetic linkage studies of important phenotypes in rats.     

Genetic map of seven polymorphic markers comprising a single linkage group on rat Chromosome 5

Seven polymorphic markers comprising a single linkage group were assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 5 by linkage analysis of the progeny of an F₂ intercross of Fischer (F344/N) and Lewis (LEW/N) inbred rats. Three genes, -L-fucosidase 1 (FUCA1), mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and glucose transporter (GLUT1), were mapped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Two genes, glucose transporter (GTG3) and elastase II (ELAII), one pseudogene for tubulin (TUBAPS), and one sequence related to the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene (PFKFBP1-related sequence) were mapped by simple sequence repeat (SSR) polymorphism analysis. The loci are in the following order: SOD2, GTG3/GLUT1, FUCA1, ELAII/PFKFBP1-related sequence, and TUBAPS. This linkage group covered 68.3 cM of rat Chr 5. The SSR markers were highly polymorphic in 13 inbred rat strains (SHR/N, WKY/N, MNR/N, MR/N, LOU/MN, BN/SsN, BUF/N, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, ACI/N, LER/N, F344/N, and LEW/N). These markers, located on rat Chr 5, will be useful in genetic studies of inbred rats.     

Genetic map of 16 polymorphic markers forming three linkage groups assigned to rat Chromosome 4

Sixteen polymorphic markers, including markers for eight new loci, forming three linkage groups, were assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 4 by linkage analysis of the progeny of an F₂ intercross of Fischer (F344/N) and Lewis (LEW/N) inbred rats. One gene, Igk, was mapped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. One marker for Tcrb was identified by the polymorphic insertion of a repetitive LINE element. The remaining 14 markers contained polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Ten were identified in genes (Tgfa, Npy, Prss1, Prss2, Aldr1, Iapp, Prp, Eno2, Cacnlla1, and Il6), one was identified in a sequence related to a gene (Egr4l1), and three were identified in anonymous DNA segments. The SSR markers were highly polymorphic in 16 inbred rat strains. These markers expand the genetic map of the rat and should be useful in future genetic studies of inbred rats.     

Linkage map of seven polymorphic markers on rat Chromosome 18

A genetic linkage map of seven polymorphic markers was created with F₂ intercross progeny of F344/N and LEW/N rats and assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 18. Five of the markers described were defined by simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) associated with five genes: transthyretin (TTR), trypsin inhibitor-like protein (TILP), 2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), olfactory neuron-specific G protein (OLF), and gap junction protein (GJA1). One marker was defined by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected with a probe for the human colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) gene. The D18N1R locus was defined by an anonymous DNA fragment amplified by the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique with a single short primer. These seven DNA loci formed a single genetic linkage group 30.4 cM in length with the following order: TTR-6.8 cM-D18N1R-9.1 cM-TILP-4.3 cM-CSF1R-0 cM-ADRB2-10.2 cM-OLF-0 cM-GJA1. The five SSLP markers were highly polymorphic. In a total of 13 inbred rat strains analyzed (F344/ N, LEW/N, LOU/MN, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, MR/N, MNR/N, ACI/N, SHR/N, WKY/N, BN/SsN, BUF/N, and LER/N), three to six alleles were detected for each marker. Remarkable linkage conservation was detected between the region of rat Chr 18 mapped and a region of mouse Chr 18. However, genes associated with these markers have been mapped to three different human chromosomes (Chrs 5, 6, and 18). The markers described here should be useful for genetic mapping studies and genetic monitoring of inbred rat strains.     

A single linkage group comprising 11 polymorphic DNA markers on rat Chromosome 3

Eleven polymorphic DNA markers were mapped to rat Chromosome (Chr) 3 by linkage analysis of F₂ progeny of F344/N and LEW/N rat strains. The markers, including seven genes and four anonymous loci, formed a single linkage group covering approximately 112 cM with the following order: Ptgs1 (prostaglandin G/H synthase I)-D3Arb178-Scn2a (sodium channel, type II, -polypeptide)-D3Arb1-Cat (catalase)-Bdnf (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)-D3Arb219-D3Arb2-Sus2 (seminal vesicle secretion II protein)-Sdc4 (ryudocan/syndecan4)-Stnl (statin-like protein). Eight of these markers were analyzed for polymorphisms in 14 additional inbred rat strains. Three to five alleles were detected for each marker, suggesting that they are highly polymorphic and useful for genetic mapping studies with inbred rat strains. Chromosomal syntenic conservation among rats, mice and humans is also discussed.     

An integrated genetic linkage map with 1,137 markers constructed from five F2 crosses of autoimmune disease-prone and -resistant inbred rat strains

The rat (Rattus norvegicus) is an important experimental model for many human diseases including arthritis, diabetes, and other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The rat genetic linkage map, however, is less well developed than those of mouse and human. Integrated rat genetic linkage maps have been previously reported by Pravenec et al. (1996, Mamm. Genome 7: 117-127) (500 markers mapped in one cross), Bihoreau et al. (1997, Genome Res. 7: 434-440) (767 markers mapped in three crosses), Wei et al. (1998, Mamm. Genome 9: 1002-1007) (562 markers mapped in two crosses), Brown et al. (1998, Mamm. Genome 9: 521-530) (678 markers mapped in four crosses), and Nordquist et al. (1999, Rat Genome 5: 15-20) (330 markers mapped in two crosses). The densest linkage map combined with a radiation hybrid map, reported by Steen et al. (1999, Genome Res. 9: AP1-AP8), includes 4736 markers mapped in two crosses. Here, we present an integrated linkage map with 1137 markers. We have constructed this map by genotyping F2 progeny of five crosses: F344/NHsd x LEW/NHsd (673 markers), DA/Bkl x F344/NHsd (531 markers), BN/SsN x LEW/N (714 markers), DA/Bkl x BN/SsNHsd (194 markers), and DA/Bkl x ACI/SegHsd (245 markers). These inbred rat strains vary in susceptibility/resistance to multiple autoimmune diseases and are used extensively for many types of investigation. The integrated map includes 360 loci mapped in three or more crosses. The map contains 196 new SSLP markers developed by our group, as well as many SSLP markers developed by other groups. Two hundred forty genes are incorporated in the map. This integrated map should allow comparison of rat genetic maps from different groups and thereby facilitate genetic studies of rat autoimmune and related disease models.     

A genetic map of microsatellite markers on rat Chromosome 7

Nine microsatellite loci were mapped to rat Chromosome (Chr) 7 by genetic linkage and somatic cell hybrid analysis. These loci include the gene encoding a member of the IID sub-family of cytochrome P450 (Cyp2d), a gene with repetitive sequences expressed during myotube formation (D7Arb1e), four anonymous loci, D7Arb81, D7Arb208, D7Arb569, D7Arb609a, and three DNA loci defined by MapPair^TM markers R245, R513, and R1071. The nine loci were all identified by PCR-based microsatellite polymorphism analysis and were characterized in 40 F₂ intercross progeny of Fischer (F344/N) and Lewis (LEW/N) rats for segregation analysis. These markers formed a single linkage group spanning 76.8 cM with the following order and distances: D7Arb569-11.4 cM-D7Arb81-9.7 cM-R513-2.6 cM-Cyp2d-0.0 cM-R245-1.3 cM-D7Arb1e-10.4 cM-R1071-15.9 cM-D7Arb609a-15.4 cM-D7Arb208. Physical mapping of Cyp2d by somatic cell hybrid analysis allowed us to assign this linkage group to rat Chr 7. For each marker, two to six alleles were detected in a panel of 16 inbred rat strains (ACI/N, BN/SsN, BUF/N, DA/Bkl, F344/N, LER/N, LEW/N, LOU/MN, MNR/N, MR/N, SHR/N, SR/Jr, SS/Jr, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, WKY/N).     

A comparative linkage and physical map of bovine chromosome 24 with human chromosome 18

Polymorphic microsatellites have been developed in the vicinity of nine genes on bovine chromosome (BTA) 24, all orthologous to genes on human chromosome (HSA) 18. The microsatellites have been isolated from bacterial and yeast artificial chromosome clones containing the genes. A linkage map was developed including these polymorphic markers and four anonymous, published microsatellites. Yeast artificial chromosomes containing six of these genes have also been mapped using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), thereby tying the linkage map together with the physical map of BTA24. Comparing gene location on HSA18 and BTA24 identifies four regions of conserved gene order, each containing at least two genes. These genes identify six regions of conserved order between human and mouse, two more than in the human-bovine comparison. The breakpoints between regions of conserved order for human-bovine are also breakpoints in the human-mouse comparison. The centromere identifies a fifth conserved region if the BTA24 centromere is orthologous with the HSA18 centromere. Received: 17 September 1998 / Accepted: 4 December 1998     

Genetic linkage map of human chromosome 21

Two of the most common disorders affecting the human nervous system, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, involve genes residing on human chromosome 21. A genetic linkage map of human chromosome 21 has been constructed using 13 anonymous DNA markers and cDNAs encoding the genes for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and the precursor of Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide (APP). Segregation of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for these genes and DNA markers was traced in a large Venezuelan kindred established as a "reference" pedigree for human linkage analysis. The 15 loci form a single linkage group spanning 81 cM on the long arm of chromosome 21, with a markedly increased frequency of recombination occurring toward the telomere. Consequently, 40% of the genetic length of the long arm corresponds to less than 10% of its cytogenetic length, represented by the terminal half of 21q22.3. Females displayed greater recombination than males throughout the linkage group, with the difference being most striking for markers just below the centromere. Definition of the linkage relationships for these chromosome 21 markers will help refine the map position of the familial Alzheimer's disease gene and facilitate investigation of the role of recombination in nondisjunction associated with Down syndrome.     

A genetic linkage map of the rat derived from recombinant inbred strains

We have constructed a genetic linkage map in the rat by analyzing the strain distribution patterns of 500 genetic markers in a large set of recombinant inbred strains derived from the spontaneously hypertensive rat and the Brown-Norway rat (HXB and BXH recombinant inbred strains). 454 of the markers could be assigned to specific chromosomes, and the amount of genome covered by the mapped markers was estimated to be 1151 centimorgans. By including a variety of morphologic, biochemical, immunogenetic, and molecular markers, the current map integrates and extends existing linkage data and should facilitate rat gene mapping and genetic studies of hypertension and other complex phenotypes of interest in the HXB and BXH recombinant inbred strains. Received: 21 June 1995 / Accepted: 11 September 1995     

A molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 7

The homology between mouse chromosome 7 and human chromosomes 11, 15, and 19 was examined using interspecific backcross animals derived from mating C3H/HeJ-gld/gld and Mus spretus mice. In an earlier study, we reported on the linkage relationships of 16 loci on mouse chromosome 7 and the homologous relationship between this chromosome and the myotonic dystrophy gene region on human chromosome 19. Segregation analyses were used to extend the gene linkage relationships on mouse chromosome 7 by an additional 21 loci. Seven of these genes (Cyp2a, D19F11S1h, Myod-1, Otf-2, Rnu1p70, Rnu2pa, and Xrcc-1) were previously unmapped in the mouse. Several potential mouse chromosome 7 genes (Mel, Hkr-1, Icam-1, Pvs) did not segregate with chromosome 7 markers, and provisional chromosomal assignments were made. This study establishes a detailed molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 7 that will be useful as a framework for determining linkage relationships of additional molecular markers and for identifying homologous disease genes in mice and humans.     

A genetic linkage map of human chromosome 9q.

A genetic linkage map of human chromosome 9q, spanning a sex-equal distance of 125 cM, has been developed by genotyping 26 loci in the Venezuelan Reference Pedigree. The loci include 12 anonymous microsatellite markers reported by Kwiatkowski et al. (1992), several classical systems previously assigned to chromosome 9q, and polymorphisms for the genes tenacin (HXB), gelsolin (GSN), adenylate kinase 1 (AK1), arginosuccinate synthetase (ASS), ABL oncogene (ABL1), ABO blood group (ABO), and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Only a marginally significant sex difference is found along the entire length of the map and results from one interval, between D9S58 and D9S59, that displays an excess of female recombination. A comparison of the genetic map to the existing physical data suggests that there is increased recombination in the 9q34 region with a recombination event occurring every 125-400 kb. This map should be useful in further characterizing the relationship between physical distance and genetic distance, as well as for genetic linkage studies of diseases that map to chromosome 9q, including multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma (MSSE), Gorlin syndrome (NBCCS), xeroderma pigmentosum (XPA), nail-patella syndrome (NPS1), torsion dystonia (DYT1), and tuberous sclerosis (TSC1).     

A genetic map of mouse chromosome 1 near the Lsh-Ity-Bcg disease resistance locus

Isozyme and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses of backcross progeny, recombinant inbred strains, and congenic strains of mice positioned eight genetic markers with respect to the Lsh-Ity-Bcg disease resistance locus. Allelic isoforms of Idh-1 and Pep-3 and RFLPs detected by Southern hybridization for Myl-1, Cryg, Vil, Achrg, bcl-2, and Ren-1,2, between BALB/cAnPt and DBA/2NPt mice, were utilized to examine the cosegregation of these markers with the Lsh-Ity-Bcg resistance phenotype in 103 backcross progeny. An additional 47 backcross progeny from a cross between C57BL/10ScSn and B10.L-Lshr/s mice were examined for the cosegregation of Myl-1 and Vil RFLPs with Lsh phenotypic differences. Similarly, BXD recombinant inbred strains were typed for RFLPs upon hybridization with Vil and Achrg. Recombination frequencies generated in the different test systems were statistically similar, and villin (Vil) was identified as the molecular marker closest (1.7 +/- 0.8 cM) to the Lsh-Ity-Bcg locus. Two other DNA sequences, nebulin (Neb) and an anonymous DNA fragment (D2S3), which map to a region of human chromosome 2q that is homologous to proximal mouse chromosome 1, were not closely linked to the Lsh-Ity-Bcg locus. This multipoint linkage analysis of chromosome 1 surrounding the Lsh-Ity-Bcg locus provides a basis for the eventual isolation of the disease gene.     

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.     

A linkage map of distal mouse chromosome 12

To refine the linkage map of distal mouse Chromosome 12, we have identified DNA restriction fragment variants associated with a creatine kinase gene (Ck-3), the Akt proto-oncogene, an Abelson proviral integration site (D12N1), and the immunoglobulin heavy chain V_H3609 variable region family (Igh-V36). The patterns of inheritance of these markers in backcross progeny and recombinant inbred mouse strains allowed their localization with respect to previously mapped genes to yield the linkage map: Aat-15.8 cM-Ck-3-0.9 cM-(Crip, Akt, Igh-C)-0.3 cM-(D12N1, Igh-V). This map confirms genetically the localization of the Igh-V gene complex distal to Igh-C on the chromosome. It differs from previous maps in placing D12N1 distal to Igh-C, and in suggesting that the Igh-V gene complex spans less than one centiMorgan (cM).Other DNA sequence variants detected with the creatine kinase probe allowed definition of four additional genetic loci: Ck-1 near Lmyc-1 on Chromosome 4; Ck-2 between Upg-1 and Hprt-ps1 (D17Rp10) on distal Chromosome 17; Ck-4 near Mpmv-17 and Mls-3 on Chromosome 16; and Ck-5 near Hba on Chromosome 11.     

Linkage map of mouse chromosome 17: localization of 27 new DNA markers

Chromosome 17 of the laboratory variant of the house mouse (Mus musculus L.), MMU17, has been studied extensively, largely because of its involvement in the control of immune response and embryonic as well as male germ cell differentiation. A detailed linkage map of this chromosome is therefore a highly desired goal. As the first step toward achieving this goal, we have isolated, using a LINE 1 repetitive sequence as a probe, 52 anonymous DNA clones from MMU17. Twenty-seven repetitive sequence-free probes isolated from these clones displayed restriction fragment length variation among common inbred strains and could be mapped with the help of recombinant inbred strains, congenic strains, F2 segregants, or intra-t recombinants. Together with markers identified previously, the new markers can be used to construct a map of MMU17 that contains 125 DNA loci. The markers are distributed over a length of approximately 71 cM, which probably represents the entire length of MMU17. Most of the markers reside in the proximal portion of the chromosome, which contains the t and H-2 complexes; this chromosomal region is now fairly well mapped. The distal region of MMU17, on the other hand, is populated by only a few, rather imprecisely mapped markers. Molecular maps are available for most of the H-2 complex and for parts of the t complex.     

A mouse linkage testing stock possessing multiple copies of the endogenous ecotropic murine leukemia virus genome

A new linkage testing stock of the laboratory mouse has been constructed. The stock, designated MEV (multiple ecotropic provirus), was developed by inbreeding and selection beginning with the cross of strains C58/J and AKXD-14. Eleven different murine leukemia virus (MuLV) proviruses have been fixed in the MEV/1Ty strain. Nine of these can be uniquely identified by Southern blotting of PvuII-digested DNA and probing with a cloned fragment of the ecotropic viral genome. Two proviruses had been mapped previously to chromosome 7, while single proviruses had been mapped to chromosomes 2, 9, and 11. The mapping of six additional proviruses, derived from C58/J, to chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 10, 18, and 19 is described. Another C58/J provirus was mapped to chromosome 8 and proved to be identical to the previously mapped C58v-1 virus inducibility gene of strain C58/Lw. Three dominant visible markers, hammer-toe (Hm), steel (Sl), and caracul-J (CaJ), located on chromosomes 5, 10, and 15, respectively, have been introduced onto the MEV genetic background by repeated backcrosses to provide additional linkage markers. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the genome can be screened by scoring 50 fully informative gametes from a linkage cross of the MEV-Hm, -Sl, -CaJ stock for the combination of viral and visible markers. A strategy for efficiently mapping new recessive visible mutations by pooling tissues for DNA extraction from mutant homozygotes among F2 progeny is described. Ways of further improving the MEV stock are discussed. The location of the Myb proto-oncogene is defined relative to Sl and one of the C58/J proviruses on chromosome 10.     

Quantitative trait loci for body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and serum lipids: linkage analysis with wild rats (Rattus norvegicus).

To study polygenetically inherited human diseases like hypertension, inbred rat strains are usually the preferred models. Because many inbred generations under optimized environmental conditions may have led to the survival of "silent" disease genes, we used a cross between one wild rat and genetically hypertensive SHR rats to analyze quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of blood pressure and related traits. The (Wild x SHR)F1 hybrids were transferred into a pathogen-free environment by wet-hysterectomy and were backcrossed onto SHR to generate first backcross hybrids (BC1). Progeny from one F1 female (n = 72) were phenotypically and genetically characterized to map QTLs. Significant, subsignificant, and suggestive evidence was found for more sex-specific than common linkage of blood pressure and most blood-pressure-related traits. Male- and female-specific regions were determined on different chromosomes for blood pressures (Chrs. 2 and 7 vs 5 and 11), body weight (Chrs. 10 vs 18), and blood glucose (Chr. 17 vs 20). A linkage in both males and females was shown for serum triglycerides on chromosomes 6 and 17, respectively, and blood glucose on chromosome 15. For serum total cholesterol, a significant linkage was found on chromosome 14 only in males. Our findings not only indicate the complex character of quantitative traits per se but also show impressively their dependence on sex, age, and strains in cosegregation analysis.     

Quantitative trait loci influencing hepatic copper in rats

Significant differences in liver copper content have been observed between rat inbred strains. To define loci controlling this trait, the offspring (n = 190) from an (LEW/OlaHsd x BC/CpbU) F(2)-intercross was genetically analyzed. From each F(2) animal, liver copper content was determined and genomic DNA was screened with polymorphic DNA markers. We found a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for liver copper content in females on chromosome 2 and in males on chromosome 10. Both QTLs accounted for approximately 20% of the genetic variance. In addition, suggestive linkage for liver copper content was found on rat chromosomes 1, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 19. The regions on these chromosomes contain genes that are responsible for 9.0-15.5% of the genetic variance of liver copper content.