Insertion of dominant selectable markers into the human genome.

In the above discussion, I have outlined the current status of our efforts to use retroviral vectors to introduce selectable markers into the human genome and to use these markers for mapping specific chromosomal regions. I have not reviewed in detail the extensive characterization of the mouse H-2 region carried out by David Nelson and John Weis based on the insertion of a single retroviral element. This analysis has provided a model for the application of retroviral elements into various regions of the human genome. The prospects for increasing the resolution of the human genetic map and identifying many genes relevant to human health and development are likely to be enhanced by increasing the precision of this methodology.