Integration of the cytogenetic and genetic linkage maps of human chromosome 16 using 50 physical intervals and 50 polymorphic loci.

A comprehensive genetic linkage map constructed from 50 loci represented by 68 markers was anchored to 50 cytogenetically defined intervals on human chromosome 16. The linear order of the loci on the cytogenetic map was compatible with the independently derived linear order on the genetic map. The sex-averaged genetic length is 164.5 cM, with an average distance between loci of 3.3 cM. Sex-specific distances are 132.8 cM in males and 201.8 cM in females. This is the first detailed synthesis of genetic and cytogenetic maps for any human chromosome and is the first step in correlating the genetic and physical maps of this chromosome. The combined map, containing 15 loci with a minimum heterozygosity of 60% and 6 PCR-formatted microsatellite markers, will be useful for assignment and regional localization of disease genes to this chromosome.