DNA replication at common fragile site FRA6E under normal and aphidicolin-induced stress conditions

Common fragile sites (CFSs) are expressed as breaks or gaps on metaphase chromosomes after partial inhibition of the DNA replication process, as induced by aphidicolin. Up to date, several studies suggest that the fragility at these loci may be related to the incomplete replication of the region. FRA6E is one among the most frequently expressed fragile sites of the human genome, and PARK2 is the most relevant gene mapped inside. By molecular combing, we have evaluated the replication pattern of FRA6E under normal and aphidicolin-induced stress conditions in primary human lymphocytes.