Mammalian centromere containing human DNA sequences associated with a dominant marker

摘要

Human DNA sequences are disclosed which when put into mammalian cells together with a dominant marker gene are able to form functional centromeres. The sequences can be used to form probes for these centromeres. Cell lines containing the functional centromeres are also provided. Methods are taught for isolating mammalian centromeric DNA as well as for producing cell lines carrying an excess of mammalian centromeres linked to a dominant selectable marker gene.