GENERATION OF A TRANSCRIPTION MAP DISTAL TO HLA-F

We have constructed a transcription map covering a 2 Mb region beginni ng approximately 1 Mb distal to HLA-F, Cosmids isolated from a chromos ome 6 library were positioned by YAC hybridisation, STS and fingerprin t analysis, Using direct cDNA selection, exon trapping, and direct gen omic sequence analysis, we identified 42 potential exonic fragments in this region. Six fragments corresponded to previously characterised g enes, four previously broadly mapped to this region. Five fragments we re similar to known genes, eight fragments matched ESTs and 10 of the remaining 23 novel fragments, gave a positive signal on northern analy sis. All cDNA fragments were mapped to the YAC and cosmid contig cover ing the region and with respect to other known genes and STS in this a rea. The distribution of the cDNA fragments indicated their organisati on in three clusters around CpG islands.