A primer of current molecular genetic strategies for clinicians

For the clinician to take full advantage of the rapid advances in molecular medicine, a working knowledge of the recombinant DNA methodologies employed will be required. This primer introduces current cloning strategies by examination of the cloning of the cystic fibrosis gene, an opioid receptor, and olfactory receptors that used the methodologies of DNA linkage analysis, functional cloning, and polymerase chain reaction with degenerate oligonucleotide primers, respectively. Molecular information obtained after cloning has had immediate effects on diagnosis and genetic counseling and holds the promise of novel treatment strategies, including somatic gene therapy.