Genomic Southern blot

Preparation of Probe. Probes for genomic Southern blots have been made by a variety of methods and must be of high specific activity. A simple method that yields a probe with a very high specific activity utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).16 An advantage of PCR over methods based on nick translation or primer extension is that only one strand of DNA is synthesized, so that reassociation of denatured single-strand probe in solution is minimized. 

Genomic Southern blot analysis showed that COT is a single-copy gene and that exons 2 and 3 (Data not shown) are present only onee in genomie DNA. Moreover, Southern blot and restriction mapping of three different clones obtained from a rat genomic library confirmed these data. 

After a suitable interval, normally 30-60 min for genomic Southern blots, develop the second film and interpret results. 

It s also possible to select your DNA before you put it in the vector. If you know the sequence (or even part of it), DNA pieces (from genomic DNA or cDNA) with this sequence can be purified on a gel and identified by hybridization to an oligonucleotide using a Southern blot. Alternatively, if you know the sequence of the ends of your DNA, you can amplify it specifically by the polymerase chain reaction. There are lots of clever ways to find your DNA. 

The localization of bNOS to the human genome was accomplished by Kishimoto and coworkers70. These investigators used a rat cerebellar cDNA to obtain a human cDNA from Clontech. This cDNA was hybridized to Southern blots containing DNA from a battery of human-rodent somatic cell DNA. Since the blots had been shown to be selective, the authors showed that the cDNA hybridized to chromosome 12. By using restriction nucleases EcoRI and Hind in the assignment was made to 12 ql4-qter. One or two copies were indicated in vivo but reducing the hybrid conditions showed more bands. It is necessary to conduct further studies to see whether the other cDNA are derived from this or another clone. 

---