Mink 5S rRNA genes map to 2q in three loci suggesting conservation of synteny with human 1q.

By in situ hybridization we show that the SS rRNA genes in the mink map to chromosome 2q in three loci. The 2q1.1 locus containing 34% of the 5S rDNA, maps close to the centromere, and the remaining two loci of the 5S rDNA map to 2q1.3 (52%) and to 2q2.3. (14%). These data were obtained with a tritiated transcript of the 5S rRNA gene containing 121 bp. In a comparative FISH study performed with a biotinylated transcript of the 5S rRNA gene the procedure failed to detect the 2q2.3 site. A closely corresponding difference between the two procedures experienced previously in man and in the crab-eating macaque is discussed. The present results suggest a homology between 2q in the mink and part of 1q in man harbouring the 5S rRNA genes in 1q42.13 and 1q31, respectively.