The integration of canine genetic maps with the canine karyotype using specific gene amplification of chromosome-specific DNA

We have used a rapid approach to place markers that are already represented in current genetic maps onto individual chromosomes in species for which c hromosome paints exist. PCR-based techniques are used to look for the prese nce of individual marker genes within each chromosome-specific DNA pool. Th e presence of a given marker within a DNA pool allows assignment of the com plete radiation hybrid group, or linkage group from which the marker is dra wn, to an individual chromosome. We have used this method with a new set of canine chromosome paints (Yang et al., 1999). In this way, we have assigne d 39 of 44 published RH or syntenic RH groups to canine chromosomes, togeth er with 33 of 40 canine linkage groups in a recently published map (Neff et al., 1999).