Chromosomal organization of simple repeated DNA sequences

Abstract

Stretches of short, simple DNA sequences are widespread in all eukaryote genomes studied so far. Simple sequences are thought to undergo frequent expansion and deletion due to intrinsic genomic mechanisms. Some of the simple sequences were used successfully to detect hypervariable loci in various genomes. Hybridization experiments using synthetic probes not only revealed the informative simple repeats suitable for DNA fingerprinting in a particular specie, but also reflected the wide range of distribution of the simple sequences among eukaryotes. The organization of these simple repetitive sequences at the chromosomal loci was investigated using in situ hybridization with chemically synthesized, pure oligonucleotide probes. Both biotin‐ and digoxigenin‐attached probes detected specific chromosomal sites that are enriched in the respective simple‐repeat blocks. Depending on the organism and probe used, accumulation of simple DNA sequences at individual or multiple sites on the chromosomes of different vertebrates could be demonstrated. The simple repetitive DNA sequences are located in different chromosomal regions (e. g., heterochromatin on the sex chromosomes, nucleolus organizer regions, and R‐band sites), which are constrained considerably during evolution.