Restriction landmark genomic scanning.

Restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) is a method to detect large numbers of restriction landmarks in a single experiment. It is based on the concept that restriction enzyme sites can serve as landmarks throughout a genome. RLGS uses direct end-labeling of the genomic DNA digested with a rare-cutting restriction enzyme and high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis. Compared with the conventional gene-detection technologies, such as Southern blot analysis and PCR, RLGS has the following advantages even though it needs specially designed instruments: high-efficiency scanning capacity, scanning extensibility by using alternate restriction enzyme combinations, applicability to any organism, a spot intensity that reflects the copy number of restriction landmarks, and the ability, by using a methylation-sensitive enzyme, to screen the methylated state of genomic DNA. The RLGS protocol can be accomplished in 5 days to 2 weeks.