Regional mapping strategies utilizing microcell hybrids

Microcell hybrids are useful resources for the mapping of human chromosomes. The procedure of microcell-mediated chromosome transfer often causes fragmentation of the donor chromosome. These fragment-containing microcell hybrids frequently contain a limited region around the locus used in selecting for retention of the chromosome in the hybrids, as well as other fragments from the donor chromosome. Monochromosomal microcell hybrids are useful as the donor cell line for creation of radiation-reduced hybrids. In contrast to fragment-containing microcell hybrids, radiation-reduced hybrids can be used to construct maps of regions of chromosomes that lack selectable markers. For both fragment-containing hybrids and radiation-reduced hybrids, the presence or absence of chromosome-specific sequences can be determined and used to construct a linear map of the chromosome. A protocol and general overview outlining the key concepts in the construction and analysis of a radiation-reduced hybrid panel is presented.