Genetic mapping in Xiphophorus hybrid fish: assignment of 43 AP-PCR/RAPD and isozyme markers to multipoint linkage groups.

The combined use of the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction [AP-PCR, also known as random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)] and isozyme mapping resulted in the production of 87 potential marker loci, enabling an overall expansion within the genetic map of the fish genus Xiphophorus. Use of DNA sequencing-style acrylamide gels and carefully controlled conditions of amplification and silver staining allowed exceptional resolution and reproducibility of AP-PCR/RAPD generated markers. Linkage analysis of AP-PCR/RAPD and isozyme markers resulted in the addition of 16 new markers to Xiphophorus linkage groups (LGs) I, II, III, V, IX, X, XII, and XIV. Addition of 5 AP-PCR/RAPD markers to linkage group U6 containing the Tailspot pigment pattern locus (P) and designation of eight new unassigned linkage groups with 22 markers was also accomplished. Genetic linkage data allowed inference of the existence of a novel pigment pattern modifier locus. Expansion of the Xiphophorus gene map by linkage analysis of AP-PCR/RAPD markers in conjunction with isozyme polymorphisms should lead to the rapid saturation of genetic linkage groups such as LG V, which will probably be instrumental to cloning the Diff tumor suppressor gene locus.