High-resolution human/goat comparative map of the goat polled/intersex syndrome (PIS): the human homologue is contained in a human YAC from HSA3q23

The genetic and cytogenetic map around the chromosome 1 region shown to be linked with polledness and intersexuality (PIS) in the domestic goat (Capra hircus) was refined. For this purpose, a goat BAC library was systematically screened with primers from human coding sequences, scraped chromosome 1 DNA, bovine microsatellites from the region, and BAC ends. All the BACs (n = 30) were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on goat chromosome 1q41-q45. The genetic mapping of 30 new goat polymorphic markers, isolated from these BACs, made it possible to reduce the PIS interval to a region of less than 1 cM on goat chromosome 1q43. The PIS locus is now located between the two genes ATP1B and COP, which both map to 3q23 in humans. Genetic, cytogenetic, and comparative data suggest that the PIS region is now probably circumscribed to an approximately 1-Mb DNA segment for which construction of a BAC contig is in progress. In addition, a human YAC contig encompassing the blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus-inversus region was mapped by FISH to goat chromosome 1q43. This human disease, mapped to HSA 3q23 and affecting the development and maintenance of ovarian function, could be a potential candidate for goat PIS.