GENE MAPPING AND GENOME ORGANIZATION IN MAMMALS

特定染色体基因标记的准确定位

Accurate localization of gene markers for specific chromosomal segments and quantitative analyses of changes in chromosomal localization of these markers during mammalian evolution are needed to characterize the organization of the mammalian evolution are needed to characterize the organization of the mammalian genome. The mouse will be used as a model for analyzing gene location, clarifying gene order on specific chromosomal segments, and characterizing the patterns of synteny and linkage conservation during mammalian evolution. These studies require compilation and analysis of mouse linkage data and mammalian gene homology data. Two computer resources are being developed and that, when complete, will consist of (1) raw mouse gene mapping data and analysis programs (MLDP, mouse linkage database and programs), and (2) mammalian gene homology data and analysis programs (HMDP, homology database and programs). Both MLDP and HMDP will be maintained and enhanced as a resource and research tool for the proposed analyses and for the scientific community (Aim 1). Mouse gene mapping data and analytical programs in MLDP will be used for calculating and comparing recombination frequencies and map distances, determining the likelihood for alternative gene orders, and creating segmental maps that represent genetically well-defined chromosomal segments (Aim 2). Mouse linkage testing crosses will be used for resolving gene order both for genes whose location is uncertain in the mouse and for genes in the mouse that are part of potentially conserved chromosomal segments among mammals (Aim 3). Mammalian synteny and linkage homology data and analytical programs in HMDP will be used for estimating the extent of synteny conservation in individual mammalian lineages and for testing whether rates of synteny disruption vary significantly among lineages (Aim 4). These proposed studies represent a comprehensive program for managing mouse gene mapping data and mammalian gene homology data and for using these data to study genome organization and evolution in mammals.