Method for genotyping microsatellite DNA markers

The present invention relates to a method for genotyping microsatellite DNA markers using ligation of at least three oligonucleotides. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for distinguishing allele content in mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa- or nona-repeated DNA using combinations of at least three oligonucleotides comprising a 5′ primer, a central primer and a plurality 3′ primers that hybridize to different alleles of microsatellite DNAs. The present invention provides a high throughput method for genotyping microsatellite markers. The technology uses a combination of oligonucleotides in a selective ligation reaction that discriminates mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa- and nona-nucleotide repeated alleles in amplified DNA from individuals.