Chromosomal localization of sixty autosomal loci in sheep (OVIS ARIES, 2n = 54) by fluorescence in situ hybridization and R-banding.

Sixty autosomal loci (5 type I and 55 type II) from 24 bovine syntenic groups, and previously FISH-mapped to goat and river buffalo chromosomes, were localized by fluorescence in situ on sheep (OVIS ARIES, 2n = 54) chromosomes, thereby notably extending the cytogenetic map of this economically important species. Caprine BAC clones were hybridized to R-banded chromosome preparations. FITC-signals and RBPI- banding (R-banding by late BrdU-incorporation and propidium iodide staining) were simultaneously visualized and captured by a colour CCD-camera. All mapped loci were localized on homoeologous chromosomes and chromosome regions (bands) of sheep, goat and river buffalo, further supporting chromosome and genetic (loci) homoeologies among bovids. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel