Utility of the interval mapping technique using DNA pools of inbred mice

We report an application of the interval mapping technique using DNA pools of inbred mice. The latest challenge in molecular genetics is to use microsatellite markers for gene mapping and cloning. Little is known about the interval mapping technique for detecting candidate linkages in inbred mice. We investigated the optimum interval length of microsatellite markers for gene mapping using DNA pools on mouse chromosomes, and found that between 25 and 35 centi Morgans (cM) was sufficient. We estimated that at least two to four microsatellite markers required for interval mapping should be present on each chromosome. The number required would depend entirely on the linkage map.