GENETIC-MAPPING OF THE HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE-RELEASING FACTOR GENE (GHRF) USING 2 INTRAGENIC POLYMORPHISMS DETECTED BY PCR AMPLIFICATION

We have analyzed the human growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF) gene by high-resolution restriction mapping of its PCR amplification produ cts. Two intragenic PCR fragment length polymorphisms (PCRFLPs) were d etected in introns A and C of the GHRF gene, whose heterozygosities ar e 40 and 7%, respectively. Linkage analysis using the CEPH panel showe d that GHRF is linked to several markers on chromosome 20 and assigned the GHRF locus to a region near the centromere between D20S27 (assign ed to 20p12.1-p11.23) and D20S16 (assigned to 20q12). These intragenic PCRFLPs and the tightly linked polymorphisms should provide useful ma rkers for linkage studies of GHRF alleles in familial disorders of gro wth such as isolated growth hormone deficiency. (C) 1994 Academic Pres s, Inc.