| 摘要 |
The invention provides for improved identification by making use of the existence of DNA regions of hypervariability, otherwise called minisatellite regions in which the DNA contains tandem repeat or quasi-block copolymer sequences and the number of repeats or copolymer units varies considerably from one individual to another. It has now been found that many such regions can be probed simultaneously in such a way as to display this variability using a DNA or other polynucleotide probe of which the essential constitutent is a short core sequence tandemly repeated at least 3 and preferably at least 10 times. The probing reveals differences in genomic DNA at multiple highly-polymorphic minisatellite regions to produce an individual-specific DNA "fingerprint" of general use for genetic identification purposes. The "core" used is typically a sequence of 6 to 16 nucleotides contained in or having a high degree of homology with a nucleotide sequence of formula GGAGGTGGGCAGGAXG (2) in which X is A or G, AGAGGTGGGCAGGTGG (3) GGAGGYGGGCAGCAGG (4) in which Y is C or T, or with a 12-15 nucleotide sequence of formula T(C)mGGAGGAXGG)G)pC (5A) or T(C)mGGAGGA)A)qGGGC (5B) in which X is A or G, m is 0, 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1, and q is 0 or 1. GPGGGCWGGWXG (6) in which X is as above, P = not G and W = A or G. The invention is particularly useful in paternity and maternity testing, forensic medicine and the diagnosis of genetic diseases and cancer. |
