Biopolymers and cell. 2005; 21 (4): 370 - 373

Localization of 10 genes in X chromosomes of five vole species of the genus Microtus (Arvicolinae, Rodentia)

O. V. Anopriyenko, A. I. Shevchenko, N. A. Mazurok, N. V. Rubtsova, S. M. Zakian

The localization of ten new genes in X chromosomes of five vole species of the genus Microtus is presented. A particular feature of the genes chosen is their property to escape inactivation in the inactive X chromosome of human and, partially, of mice. On the basis of comparative analysis of gene locations in four vole species of the arvalis group (common vole), four new inversions were revealed and the borders of two inversions determined earlier were defined more precisely. Seven clusters of conservative synteny were delineated in the X chromosomes of common voles. A comparison between gene locations in voles of the arvalis group and a representative of the agrestis outgroup showed, that X chromosomes of M. arvalis and M. kirgisorum are the closest to the ancestral X chromosome of the arvalis group.

Key words: X chromosome, chromosome rearrangements, X inactivation, gene mapping, FISH.