Chromosome-specific microsatellite sets for fluorescence-based, semi-automated genome mapping

To facilitate large-scale genetic mapping of the human genome, we have developed chromosome-specific sets of microsatellite marker loci suitable for use with a fluorescence-based automated DNA fragment analyser. We present 254 dinucleotide repeat marker loci (80% from the Généthon genetic linkage map) arranged into 39 sets, covering all 22 autosomes and the X chromosome. The average distance between adjacent markers is 13 centiMorgans, and less than 4% of the genome lies more than 20 cM from the nearest marker. Each set of microsatellites consists of up to nine marker loci, with allele size ranges that do not overlap. We selected marker loci on the basis of their reliability in the polymerase chain reaction, polymorphism content, map position and the accuracy with which alleles can be scored automatically by the Genotyper program.