Regional localization of 725 human chromosome 7-specific yeast artificial chromosome clones

Toward the construction of a complete physical map of human chromosome 7, we have localized 725 YAC clones to cytogenetically defined regions using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and by screening with DNA markers of known chromosomal locations. These chromosome 7-specific YAC clones are part of a library constructed with DNA isolated from monochromosomal 7 human-hamster somatic cell hybrid lines. The FISH mapping for 575 clones was accomplished by using "Alu-PCR" amplified YAC DNA against metaphase chromosome spreads made from a monochromosomal 7 human-mouse somatic cell hybrid line. Hybridization- or PCR-based screening of previously mapped DNA markers was performed for the mapping of 221 YAC clones. There was excellent correlation between the map locations obtained for the 71 YACs localized with both methods. All of the regionally localized YAC clones are valuable reagents for mapping and identification of disease genes on human chromosome 7.