PCR-based microsatellite analysis for differentiation and genetic monitoring of nine inbred SENCAR mouse strains

Sixteen DNA microsatellites or simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) , generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were selected for use in the genetic quality control of the nine inbred SENCAR strains currently availa ble. The SENCAR strains constitute a powerful tool for mechanistic studies of multi-stage skin carcinogenesis, as well as for studies to understand th e underlying genetic basis of resistance to tumour promotion and progressio n. SSLP analysis is a fast and economical way for detecting genetic contami nation (unexpected outcrosses) among these closely-related albino strains, where standard immunological and biochemical markers have been shown to be insufficient.