USE OF AFLP MARKERS FOR GENE-MAPPING AND QTL DETECTION IN THE RAT

The AFLP technique is a new DNA marker technology based on the selecti ve amplification of restriction fragments. Multiple polymorphic marker s are simultaneously produced and can be tested in one PCR No prior in formation on genomic DNA sequences is needed In the current study, we contribute 18 AFLP markers to the linkage map of the rat. Seven AFLP m arkers were assigned to specific chromosomes by analysis of a (BN x AC I)F1 x ACI backcross progeny. Another 11 AFLP markers were mapped by u sing a panel of the H x B/B x H recombinant inbred (RI) strains. Genot ypes of these AFLP markers were also tested for correlations with some blood pressure phenotypes in the RI strains. Suggestive correlation w as found between the mean arterial pressure and two closely linked AFL P markers located on chromosome 20. The current study illustrates the value of AFLP markers for the construction of linkage maps and the det ection of quantitative trait loci. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.