LOCALIZATION OF THE HUMAN RGR OPSIN GENE TO CHROMOSOME 10Q23

The human RGR gene encodes an opsin protein (retinal G protein-coupled receptor), which is expressed in Muller cells and the retinal pigment epithelium and is thought to play a role in the visual process. To in vestigate a possible linkage of the RGR gene to retinal dystrophies, t he locus of the gene was mapped on human metaphase chromosomes. Genomi c and cDNA fragments of the human RGR gene were used as probes for flu orescence in situ hybridization. Analysis of the fluorescence signals on high-resolution banded chromosomes showed that the RGR gene is loca lized to human chromosome 10q23. This result now provides for the rapi d analysis of this gene with respect to inherited diseases of the reti na.