Distribution of satellite DNA fractions within major heterochromatic regions of human chromosomes as revealed by <i>Ple</i>I and <i>Tfi</i>I digestion

Abstract

Banding patterns induced by selective DNA extraction with the restriction endonucleases PleI and TfiI reveal the distribution of human satellite DNAs within the major heterochromatic blocks on human metaphase chromosomes. PleI and TfiI are able to discriminate HinfI target sites, depending on the nature of the central base. PleI digestion specifically reveals regions, within major C-bands, that include the major sites of satellite II DNA and permits more precise localization of satellite II domains than does radioactive in situ hybridization. The close correspondence between the cytogenetic results presented here and previously reported molecular data seems to support the idea that the frequency of enzyme target sequences is the main factor in determining the action produced by restriction endonucleases on fixed human chromosomes and that chromatin conformation is not an important factor in limiting enzyme accessibility.

Restriction Endonuclease Staining Profiles in the C-heterochromatin of Cervidae

“…However, according to the recent paper by TAGARRO et al (1992), the base sequences here studied represent important target sites, indicating real differences in the composition of the C-heterochromatin between the evolutionary lineages. Mbol resulted in unstained regions and C'TNAG and CT'AC.…”