Individual-specific patterns of human variable genomic regions detected by a DNA probe from the HIV-1 env gene.

It was postulated that similar genetic elements that are 'hot spots' for genetic variation might exist in both the HIV-1 and the human genome. To test this possibility a short repeated sequence from a region of variability in the HIV-1 glycoprotein (env) gene was amplified and used as a probe for blot hybridization with human genome DNA. Human genomic regions were hybridized and characterized by a set of polymorphic restriction DNA fragments. The pattern of the restriction fragments was individual specific. Thus a DNA probe from the HIV-1 env gene can serve as a genetic marker for hybridization with human genome regions and for the identification of individuals.