Indication against genetic localisation of the human transcobalamin II gene (TC2) on chromosome 16

The genetic locus of human transcobalamin II (TC2) is not yet known. The mouse transcobalamin II gene has been assigned to mouse chromosome 11, linked to hemoglobin A. This fact suggested a similar linkage of transcobalamin II in man, assigning it thus to human chromosome 16. Our linkage investigation in a family material of more than 600 individuals demonstrated absence of linkage between transcobalamin II and phosphoglycolate phosphatase, which is very closely linked to hemoglobin A on chromosome 16. Additionally we confirmed absence of linkage with the chromosome 16 gene marker system haptoglobin. These two gene marker systems are located far from each other, and the total length of chromosome 16 is estimated only about 100 cM. Together with recent results of investigations in somatic mouse-man cell hybrids, we conclude that TC2 is not located on chromosome 16. Additionally we found absence of linkage between transcobalamin II and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, rhesus blood group (both on chromosome 1), GC (chromosome 4), Esterase D (chromosome 13) and AG; absence of close linkage with "debrisoquin polymorphism".