A 37-kb restriction map of the human immunoglobulin lambda variable locus, VB cluster, harboring four functional genes and two non-coding Vl sequences

the human immunoglobulin lambda variable locus (iglv) is mapped at chromosome 22 band q11.1-q11.2. the 30 functional germline v-lambda genes sequenced untill now have been subgrouped into 10 families (vl1 to vl10). the number of vl genes has been estimated at approximately 70. this locus is formed by three gene clusters (va, vb and vc) that encompass the variable coding genes (v) responsible for the synthesis of lambda-type ig light chains, and the jl-cl cluster with the joining segments and the constant genes. recently the entire variable lambda gene locus was mapped by contig methodology and its one- megabase dna totally sequenced. all the known functional v-lambda genes and pseudogenes were located. we screened a human genomic dna cosmid library and isolated a clone with an insert of 37 kb (cosmid 8.3) encompassing four functional genes (iglv7s1, iglv1s1, iglv1s2 and iglv5a), a pseudogene (vla) and a vestigial sequence (vg1) to study in detail the positions of the restriction sites surrounding the vl genes. we generated a high resolution restriction map, locating 31 restriction sites in 37 kb of the vb cluster, a region rich in functional vl genes. this mapping information opens the perspective for further rflp studies and sequencing