THE BOOROOLA FECUNDITY (FECB) GENE MAPS TO SHEEP CHROMOSOME-6

The Booroola (FecB) mutation in sheep is linked to markers from a region of syntenic homology to human chromosome HSA4q, but the chromosomal location in sheep has not been determined. Analysis of linkage in Booroola half-sib pedigrees and 17 full-sib families identified genetic linkage between platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) and alpha(s1)-casein (CSN1S1) at 12 cM (Z(max) = 9.14) and between PDGFRA and the microsatellite markers BM143 and OarHH55 (Z(max) = 6.28 and 3.83, respectively). The microsatellite markers OarAE101 and BM143 and genes from the linkage group (PDGFRA, SPP1, and EGF) were mapped in a partial sheep x hamster somatic cell hybrid panel. Ah markers identified bands specific to somatic cell hybrids containing the sheep chromosome t1 (rob6;24) or t1q (chromosome 6). In sheep the casein genes alpha(s1) (CSN1S1), alpha(s2) (CSN1SB), beta (CSN2), and K (CSN3) are tightly linked, and CSNP has been mapped to sheep chromosome 6q23-q31. We conclude that the Booroola mutation is located within a conserved syntenic group that maps to sheep chromosome 6. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc