werner@aecom.UUCP (02/16/87)
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! A Sequence in M13 Phage Detects Hypervariable Minisatellites in
! Human and Animal DNA
! Vassart G, Georges M, Monsieur R, Brocas H, Lequarre AS, Christophe D.
! Science (6 Feb 1987) 235:683-684
The term "DNA fingerprint" has been used to describe the extensive
restriction fragment length polymorphism associated with hypervariable
minisatellites present in the human genome. Until now, it was necessary to
Hybridize Southern blots to specific probes cloned from human genomic DNA
in order to obtain individual-specific restriction patterns. The present
study describes the suprising finding that insert-free wild-type M13
bacteriophage detects hypervariable minisatellites in human and in animal
DNA provided no competitor DNA is used in hybridization. The effective
sequence in M13 was traced to two clusters of 15-base pair repeats within
the protein III gene of the bacteriophage. This unexpected use of M13
renders the DNA fingerprinting technology more readily available to
molecular biology laboratories.
[The bacteriophage M13 is is filamentous single-stranded DNA virus that
lysogenically infects male bacteria of the species Escherichia coli,
and buds off new virus particles much like animal viruses. It has
been engineered into a useful cloning and sequencing vector for
molecular biology.]
--
Craig Werner (MD/PhD '91)
!philabs!aecom!werner
(1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517)
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