Genetic characterization of a polymorphic murine cell-surface glycoprotein

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Monoclonal antibodies were generated against mouse hematopoietic cells.
• A major cell-surface glycoprotein (Mr = 95,000) was detected on granulocytic bone-marrow cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the allelic forms of a major cell-surface glycoprotein.
• To genetically map the locus responsible for these allelic forms.
• To establish the identity of this glycoprotein with Pgp-1.

Main Methods:

• Immunization of rats with mouse hematopoietic cells.
• Use of monoclonal antibodies to detect cell-surface glycoproteins.
• Genetic analysis including backcrosses and linkage studies.
• Biochemical characterization and sequential immunoprecipitations.

Main Results:

• Most monoclonal antibodies detected a common glycoprotein across mouse strains.
• Two antibodies identified distinct allelic forms of the glycoprotein.
• The expression of these alloantigens was codominant in F1 mice.
• Genetic mapping demonstrated linkage to Ly-m11 on mouse chromosome 2.
• The glycoprotein was confirmed to be identical to Pgp-1.

Conclusions:

• A single genetic locus controls the expression of two allelic forms of a major granulocytic cell-surface glycoprotein.
• This glycoprotein is linked to Ly-m11 on mouse chromosome 2.
• The identified glycoprotein is identical to Pgp-1.