Synteny assignment of four genes and two microsatellite markers in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.)

Syntenic and chromosomal assignment of six PCR markers: prolactin (PRL), fi bronectin (FN1), inhibin beta-A (INHBA), lactoglobulin beta (LGB), and two microsatellites CSSM14 and CSSM52 have been investigated. Their segregation in forty buffalo/hamster somatic cell hybrids were recorded. INHBA-CSSM14, LGB-CSSM52 and PRL-FN1 formed three syntenic groups; In cattle, che first two syntenic groups were also syntenic bur nor the third group, where the m arkers PRL and FN1 are assigned to two separate syntenic groups, U20 and U1 7 and consequently to two different chromosomes BTA 23 and BTA 2, respectiv ely. Synteny of PRL and FN1 in river buffalo confirms the cytological specu lation that river buffalo chromosome 2 results from fusion of cattle chromo somes 2 and 23. Based on the chromosome conservation and genetic homology b etween cattle and river buffalo, the two syntenic groups: INHBA-CSSM14 (U13 ) and LGB-CSSM52 (U16) may be assigned to two river buffalo chromosomes: BB U 8 and BBU 12, respectively.