Rapid detection of CA polymorphisms in cloned DNA: application to the 5' region of the dystrophin gene.

To identify CA repeats in genomic sequences which had been previously subcloned into plasmids, we performed PCR using a (CA)n primer and a flanking vector primer on the genomic inserts. By incorporation of a restriction enzyme site into the (CA)n primer, we have been able to subclone the genomic DNA so that the sequence flanking the CA repeat is readily determined. Primers can then be designed to amplify across the CA repeat in patient DNA samples. Application of this technique to genomic DNAs surrounding the upstream "brain" promoter of the dystrophin gene has led to the discovery of four new CA repeats. Three of these repeats are highly polymorphic, with PICs ranging from .586 to .768. The location of these markers at the extreme 5' terminus of the dystrophin gene, together with their high degree of polymorphism and ease of assay, makes them ideal for linkage analysis in families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.