Identification of restriction-fragment length polymorphisms for the human chorionic gonadotropin-β/luteinizing hormone-β gene cluster

Objective: To determine whether restriction fragment length polymorphisms are present using a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe for human luteinizing hormone β subunit (hLH-β). If the gene for hLH-β is polymorphic, genetic diagnosis of disorders of luteinizing hormone (hLH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production could become possible. Design: Study of genomic DNA from controls with a variety of restriction enzymes to identify polymorphisms. Setting: Laboratories of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Oral Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia. Patients: Unrelated control men and women seen in clinics at the Medical College of Georgia. Interventions: Genomic DNA was extracted from patients and digested with eight different restriction enzymes for the study of the hLH-β gene by Southern analysis. Main Outcome Measure: Fragment (band) sizes on radiographs from Southern blots were compared with those from molecular weight standards. Conclusions: Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified for four of the restriction enzymes, DraI, HincII, MboI, and KpnI. These polymorphisms may be useful in the diagnosis of disorders of hLH and hCG production.