MAPPING THE CLONALLY UNSTABLE RECOMBINOGENIC PRM1-]PRM2-]TNP2 REGION OF HUMAN 16P13.2

We have isolated a human cosmid clone encompassing approximately 40 kb of the chromosome 16p13.2 region. This region contains the protamine genes PRM1 and PRM2 and the transition protein gene TNP2. To facilitat e the characterization of this under represented region of the chromos ome 16 physical map, a detailed map of this cosmid clone was construct ed. Analysis revealed that this gene cluster was nestled amid numerous repetitive elements. Under representation of this segment may be attr ibuted to these repetitive sequence elements scattered throughout this region rendering this locus clonally unstable. Verification of the ma p by cosmid and genomic Southern analysis resolved discrepancies withi n the literature and showed that this highly repetitive DNA sequence c ontaining cosmid was representative of this region of the human genome . This dynamic and recombinogenic region continues to evolve.