Human alpha 2-macroglobulin gene is located on chromosome 12

Area of Science:

• Human genetics
• Molecular biology
• Gene mapping

Background:

• Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) is a key protease inhibitor in human plasma.
• Understanding the genetic basis and chromosomal location of A2M is crucial for its study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the chromosomal location of the human alpha-2-macroglobulin structural gene (A2M).

Main Methods:

• Isolation of a human liver cDNA clone encoding amino acids 809-1451 of A2M.
• Analysis of human-mouse somatic cell hybrids containing various human chromosomes.
• Gene mapping by examining the cosegregation of the A2M gene with specific chromosomes.

Main Results:

• A cDNA clone representing a portion of the A2M gene was successfully isolated.
• The human A2M gene was found to cosegregate with human chromosome 12 in the somatic cell hybrid panel.

Conclusions:

• The structural gene for human alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) is located on human chromosome 12.