Replication timing of human chromosome 6

Genomic microarrays have been used to assess DNA replication timing in a variety of eukaryotic organisms.(1-3) A replication timing map of the human genome has already been published at a 1Mb resolution.(3) Here we describe how the same method can be used to assess the replication timing of chromosome 6 with a greater resolution using an array of overlapping tile path clones. We report the replication timing map of the whole of chromosome 6 in general, and the MHC region in particular. Positive correlations are observed between replication timing and a number of genomic features including GC content, repeat content and transcriptional activity.