Hypervariable minisatellite DNA is a hotspot for homologous recombination in human cells |
| |
Authors: | W P Wahls L J Wallace P D Moore |
| |
Institution: | Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612. |
| |
Abstract: | Hypervariable minisatellite DNA sequences are short tandemly repeated sequences that are present throughout the human genome and are implicated to enhance recombination. We have constructed a consensus hypervariable minisatellite sequence and analyzed its effect on homologous recombination in human cells in culture. The consensus sequence d(AGAGGTGGGCAGGTGG)6.5 is shown to stimulate homologous recombination up to 13.5-fold. The stimulation occurs at a distance and in both directions but does show a quantitative directionality. Stimulation occurs in a codominant manner, and the sequence is inherited equally in the products. Enhancement is maintained, but at a reduced level, when double-strand breaks are introduced into the substrates. Multiple unselected recombination events are promoted, and preferential stimulation of reciprocal exchange events is demonstrated. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|