Forward and reverse PCR primer sequences were chosen from the publicly available genomic sequence, and PCR amplification was carried out in 25 µl reaction volumes using standard techniques (primer sequences are available from the authors upon request). Amplification primers and unincorporated nucleotides were removed using ExoSAP-IT (USB, Cleveland, Ohio). For sequencing, internal primers were used, and cycle sequencing was carried out using Applied Biosystems BigDye terminator chemistry. Cycling was done with an initial denaturation at 96°C for 30 sec.; followed by 45 cycles of 96°C for 10 sec., 50°C for 5 sec., 60°C for 4 min. Upon completion of sequencing, 20 µl of 62.5% EtOH/1M KOAc, pH 4.5 was added to each reaction and the sequence plates were centrifuged at 4000 rpm at 4°C for 45 min. The samples were resuspended in 15 ul of formamide and electrophoresed on an ABI 3700 capillary instrument. Sequence trace files were evaluated using the Phred, Phrap and Consed programs, and potential variants were identified by using the PolyPhred program [66],[67]. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were verified by manual evaluation of the individual forward
