DNA fingerprint analysis in acute leukemias.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis by Southern blotting or direct in-gel hybridization is a routine procedure in any genetic laboratory. Minisatellites and simple repeat probes for RFLP analysis have proved to be highly informative genetic markers, depending on their degree of homology and index of heterozygosity. Several of these probes have considerable individualization potential, thus yielding 'fingerprint' pattern. In the setting of acute leukemia DNA fingerprint (DNA-F) analysis is able to provide considerable information concerning the genetic instability of the leukemic clone. DNA-F is capable of detecting randomly occurring genetic alterations of unknown localization and to identify new hotspots of malignant transformation. As DNA-F analysis is not likely to be hampered by the effects of chemotherapy or DNA methylation, altered fingerprints may be regarded as characteristic of the leukemic clone. With the introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and increasing sensitivity, DNA-F analysis is likely to be of significant importance in monitoring minimal residual disease in human leukemia.