Genome walking with 2- to 4-kb steps using panhandle PCR.

Panhandle PCR is a method that permits the rapid retrieval of DNA segments flanking a known DNA sequence. This method extends the application of PCR to the retrieval of DNA where only one end of the DNA sequence is known, so that one can use PCR to walk along an uncharacterized stretch of DNA. In this report, we demonstrate that this method can be applied to the highly specific retrieval of large pieces (2.2-4.4 kb) of human genomic DNA that flank the primer annealing sites.