From the chromosome to DNA: Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and its clinical application

Understanding how chromosomal alterations contribute to acquired and inheri ted human disease requires the ability to manage the enormous physical and informational complexity of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) packaged within . Important concepts and techniques involved in the analysis of DNA include restriction enzymes, Southern blotting, and restriction fragment length po lymorphism/linkage analysis. These techniques have been essential in the un derstanding and diagnosis of several syndromes associated with the head and neck. The purpose of this article is to introduce DNA structure, describe some techniques fundamental to DNA analysis, and provide a brief overview o f the clinical applications of this technology with respect to dentinogenes is imperfecta and oral field cancerization. (C) 2001 American Association o f Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.