Use of haplotype analysis in the beta-globin gene cluster to discover beta-thalassemia mutations.

DNA polymorphisms have been of great value in defining a small number of common sequences in the beta-globin gene cluster and a region within which recombination may be restricted. Moreover, they have led to a screening procedure that not only has been of great value for the molecular characterization of beta-thalassemia mutations but also has implications for the characterization of other single-gene disorders.