Cytogenetics of donkey chromosomes: nomenclature proposal based on GTG-banded chromosomes and depiction of NORs and telomeric sites.

With the expansion of comparative genome analysis across different mammals, there is an increasing need to have well-defined banded karyotypes for the species chosen for investigation. In this context, the steadily growing gene mapping data in the donkey urgently require a framework whereby alignment/comparison of genetic information can be readily made with equids and other mammalian species. Hence a GTG-banded karyotype of the donkey (Equus asinus; EAS) is presented, along with schematic drawings and nomenclature of the banded chromosomes. In addition, the most characteristic features of individual chromosomes are described and their relative size estimated. Using the FISH approach, the location of nucleolous organizer regions (NORs) and telomeric repeat sequences (TTAGGG) were detected. Where possible, information on asine chromosomes is supplemented with known/likely equine and human homologues. The study thus primarily aims to provide an appropriate cytogenetic basis for the donkey chromosomes, so that research focused on gene mapping and comparative genomics in this species can be reported under a common format.