Sequence analysis and genetic mapping of porcine chromosome 11 centromeric S0048 marker

We report the existence of a new family of swine centromeric satellite DNA composed of a 51-bp repeat unit, most specifically found on pig chromosome 11 centromere and with less specificity at the centromeric region of other meta- and submetacentric chromosomes. This satellite DNA family, which has no homologies with the Mc1 and Ac2 families published previously, was named Mc2. We designed a specific primer set for PCR amplification of this centromeric satellite DNA. Specificity of amplification was checked by using a porcine somatic cell hybrid panel and by FISH. Furthermore, the development of a PCR-RFLP marker of Mc2 repetition allowed its genetic mapping on the PiGMaP reference families panel. The centromere of chromosome 11 was thus integrated to the genetic map previously published.