Short tandem repeat polymorphic markers for the rat genome from marker-selected libraries

In an effort to generate a genome-wide set of high-quality polymorphic markers for the rat, we used the marker-selection method, which has already been proven useful for the development of markers, especially for the human genome. Small-insert (300-900 bp) rat genomic libraries were constructed with an estimated complexity of three genome equivalents and enriched for short tandem repeat sequences (STRs). The enriched libraries were found to contain 45% (CA)n and 27% (GATA)n, representing at least a 50-fold enrichment over unselected small insert genomic libraries. A subset of 2160 STR-containing clones, primarily of the (GATA)n class of repeats, were sequenced. PCR primers flanking the repeats were synthesized from some of the sequences from the (CA)n and (GATA)n classes of STRs and tested for polymorphism in a panel of eight inbred rat strains. This strategy yielded 147 polymorphic markers, which mapped with high odds to all chromosomes by linkage in three F2 populations. The integration of these STR markers with other rat genetic markers and mapping reagents will facilitate the mapping of disease genes in the rat and the identification of loci associated with complex mammalian phenotypes.