Cloning and characterization of a rat-specific repetitive DNA sequence

A 2.1-kb EcoRI fragment of rat DNA has been cloned and sequenced. This fragment contained a repetitive element which was highly specific for rat DNA and widely dispersed throughout the rat genome. The repetitive element is homologous to a sequence found in the 3' end of the rat LINE family. Because of its high degree of species specificity and its heterodisperse distribution, this sequence provided a useful marker for rat DNA in DNA transfection experiments into mouse host cells.