In this study we exploit the unique genetic resource of inbred mouse m
ajor histocompatibility complex (H2) congenic and recombinant strains
to construct a high-resolution map of microsatellite loci in and aroun
d the H2 region, as well as an independent genetic map of other loci o
n mouse Chromosome (Chr) 17. Microsatellite loci were analyzed in 11 C
57BL/10 (B10) strains to determine the size of the congenic interval i
n each. The length of the congenic interval found in each strain varie
d widely. Interestingly, the intervals were generally smaller than sta
tistical expectations. However, the observed congenic intervals were s
till sufficiently long that these strains and probably wild-derived H2
congenics are an important source of genetic variability. The stagger
ed ends of the various congenic intervals and the recombinants were us
ed to construct the map. This map will be useful for physical cloning
and to help localize novel genes. As evidence of the mapping applicati
on of congenic strains, locational information was derived about Trp53
-ps and St1.