Chromosomal anchoring of linkage groups and identification of wing size QTL using markers and FISH probes derived from microdissected chromosomes in Nasonia(Pteromalidae : Hymenoptera)

Nasonia vitripennis is a small parasitic hymenopteran with a
50-year history of genetic work including linkage mapping with
mutant and molecular markers. For the first time we are now able to
anchor linkage groups to specific chromosomes. Two linkage maps
based on a hybrid cross (N. vitripennis x N. longicornis) were
constructed using STS, RAPID and microsatellite markers, where 17
of the linked STS markers were developed from single microdissected
banded chromosomes. Based on these microdissections we anchored all
linkage groups to the five chromosomes of N. vitripennis. We also
verified the chromosomal specificity of the microdissection through
in situ hybridization and linkage analyses. This information and
technique will allow us in the future to locate genes or QTL
detected in different mapping populations efficiently and fast on
homologous chromosomes or even chromosomal regions. To test this
approach we asked whether QTL responsible for the wing size in two
different hybrid crosses (N. vitripennis x N. longicornis and N.
vitripennis x N. giraulti) map to the same location. One QTL with a
major effect was found to map to the centromere region of
chromosome 3 in both crosses. This could indicate that indeed the
same gene/s is involved in the reduction of wing in N. vitripennis
and N. longicornis. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.