A high-density genetic map of the chromosome 13q14 atopy locus

Atopy describes a syndrome of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy that underlies asthma and infantile eczema. We have previously identified a locus on chromosome 13q14 that is linked to atopy and to the total serum immunoglobulin A concentration. We have therefore made a saturation genetic map of the region by typing 59 polymorphic microsatellite loci on chromosome 13q. Multipoint linkage analysis identified a 1-LOD support unit for the location of the atopy locus with a 7.5-cM region flanked by the loci D13S328 and D13S1269. The peak of linkage was at locus D13S161 with a nonparametric -log of P score of approximately 4.5. Parent of origin effects were present, with linkage primarily observed to paternally derived alleles. The genetic map of this region provides a basis for the effective identification of the chromosome 13 atopy gene.