Fluorescence-based resource for semiautomated genomic analyses using microsatellite markers.

To facilitate the practical application of highly efficient semiautomated methods for general application in genomic analyses, we have developed a fluorescence-based microsatellite marker resource. Ninety highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were combined to provide a rapid, accurate, and highly efficient initial genome-wide screening system. These markers are spaced on average every 33 cM, with a mean heterozygosity of 81% (range 65-94%), covering 22 autosomes and the X and Y chromosomes. Less than 10% of the genome lies beyond 20 cM of the nearest marker. Since this genomic analysis system is fully compatible with automated fragment analyzers using simultaneous four-color fluorescence-based detection systems, the 5 groups of 18 markers can be detected concurrently. This multiplex detection provides a through-put of 1944 genotypes daily per instrument. This system will be highly beneficial in a number of clinical and research applications including linkage, cancer genetics, forensics, and cytogenetics.