[Molecular cytogenetic research on the polymorphism of segments of the constitutive heterochromatin in human chromosomes]

Abstract

Cloned alpha-satellite DNA sequences were used to evaluate the specificity and possible variability of repetitive DNA in constitutive heterochromatin of human chromosomes. Five probes of high specificity to individual chromosomes (chromosomes 3, 11, 17, 18 and X) were hybridized in situ to metaphase chromosomes of different individuals. The stable position of alpha-satellite DNA sequences in definite heterochromatic regions of particular chromosomes was found. Therefore, the chromosome-specific alpha-satellite DNA sequences may be used as molecular markers for heterochromatic regions of certain human chromosomes. The significant interindividual differences in relative copy number of alpha-satellite DNA have been detected. The homologous chromosomes of many individuals were characterized by cytologically visible heteromorphisms, as shown by intensity of hybridization with chromosome-specific alpha-satellite DNA sequences. A special analysis of hybridization between homologues with morphological differences gives evidence for a high resolution power of in situ hybridization technique for evaluation of chromosome heteromorphisms. The approaches for detection of heteromorphisms in cases without morphological differences between homologues are discussed. The results obtained indicate that constitutive heterochromatin of human chromosomes is variable for amount of alpha-satellite DNA sequences. In situ hybridization of cloned satellite DNA sequences may be used as novel general approach to analysis of chromosome heteromorphisms in man.