Haplotype analysis of the human beta-globin gene complex using multiple locus specific oligonucleotide probes

Three oligonucleotide probes complementary to specific DNA sequences of the six human globin genes (epsilon, G gamma, A gamma, psi beta, delta, beta) were synthesized. The oligonucleotides were used either singly or in combination as hybridization probes to determine the haplotype of the human beta-globin gene cluster employing the four conventionally used restriction endonucleases HincII, HindIII, AvaII, and BamHI, in addition to HpaI. Polymorphism in the epsilon- and psi beta-genes (HincII) can be simultaneously determined with a single probe mixture. One of the probes complementary to both the psi beta- and gamma-genes is useful for determining both HindIII and HincII polymorphisms. The advantages of these probes relative to conventional cDNA probes are discussed.