Comparative linkage mapping of genes on sheep chromosome 3 provides evidence of chromosomal rearrangements in the evolution of the Bovidae

Abstract

Three genes--parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1), and retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG)--have been mapped to sheep (Ovis aries) chromosome 3 (OAR 3). The order and genetic distances between loci on OAR 3 are similar to those on cattle (Bos taurus) chromosome 5, as expected from their close evolutionary relationship. The OAR 3 linkage map shows conserved synteny with human chromosome 12, but there are at least two rearrangements in gene order between the species.