Localization of a DNA segment encompassing four tRNA genes to human chromosome 14q11 and its use as an anchor locus for linkage analysis.

The chromosomal location of an 8.2-kb genomic fragment encompassing a cluster of four human tRNA genes has been determined by three complementary methods including Southern analysis of human/rodent somatic cell hybrids, in situ hybridization, and genetic linkage analysis. This tRNA cluster (TRP1, TRP2, and TRL1) is located near the T-cell receptor alpha (TCRA) locus at 14q11, and several RFLPs were detected at this site. These RFLPs and those at the TCRA and MYH7 (cardiac beta-MHC gene) loci have been used to type all informative members of the CEPH pedigrees. This has permitted ordering of these three gene loci and two anonymous probes (D14S26 and D14S25) in a 20-cM interval just below the centromere of chromosome 14. Based upon the chromosomal location and the polymorphisms at this site, one or more members of this gene cluster could serve as a useful anchor locus on chromosome 14.