Comparison of linkage maps of mouse chromosome 12 derived from laboratory strain intraspecific and Mus spretus interspecific backcrosses.

Progeny from an interspecific backcross between laboratory mice and Mus spretus were typed for inheritance of eight genetic markers on chromosome 12. Marker order determined by segregation analyses of 115 meiotic events was in good agreement with that determined previously using intraspecific laboratory strain backcrosses. Two additional markers, D12Nyu5 and Lamb-1, previously not ordered, were located in the middle of the interval between D12Nyu12 and D12Nyu1. Marker spacing was reduced in the interspecific cross relative to that observed in intraspecific crosses. Furthermore, the interspecific cross was characterized by marked deviation from 1:1 segregation in the recombinant chromosomes and very strong positive interference. These data suggest that comparisons of different mouse crosses may facilitate the understanding of underlying mechanisms that govern recombination events in complex genomes.