Marion Lewis

Genetic linkage between the Kell blood group system and prolactin-inducible protein loci: provisional assignment of KEL to chromosome 7

The Kell blood group locus (KEL) is tightly linked to the prolactin‐inducible protein locus (PIP) with ẑ=9.12 at ô= 0.00 for combined paternal and maternal meioses. In view of the regional localization of PIP to 7q32‐q36 (Myal et al. 1989a), a similar assignment for KEL is favoured.

The Slanted Capillary Method of Rhesus Blood-grouping

In 1944 a method of Rh blood-grouping, using slanted capillary tubes, was described (Chown, 1944). Further experience with the method led to the appreciation of certain errors in it, which, in 1946, we pointed out, together with ways of preventing them (Chown and Lewis, 1946). Although Discombe and Meyer (1948) reported favourably on the revised method, descriptions of the original one remained more readily available in Britain (Mollison, Mourant, and Race, 1948; Pickles, 1949; Poole and Williams, 1951), so that, because of the inherent errors in this form, the method in any form fell into disrepute. We have used the revised method on many thousands of blood samples, and believe that, properly carried out, it is simple, rapid, accurate, and economical for Rh-grouping. The slanted capillary has further advantages and uses which we shall report on later.

The position of the Radin blood group locus in relation to other chromosome 1 loci

Data are presented which indicate that the Radin blood group antigen is governed by a locus, for the present called Rd, which is located between PGM1 and αFUC Rh, and is either very closely linked to or identical with Sc.

The chromosome 19 linkage group LDLR, C3, LW, APOC2, LU, SE in man

The data establish linkage in both sexes for LDLR:LW (ž= 8.43 at θ= 0.00) and in the male for LDLR:LU (ž= 3.31 at θ= 0.00) and for LW:APOC2 (ž= 3.90 at θ= 0.00) They confirm LDLR:C3 and APOC2:LU linkage in both sexes, and LW:LU linkage in the male. The loci constitute two tightly linked gene clusters, LDLR, C3, LW and APOC2, LU, SE, distinguished by measurable linkage in female meioses within but not between clusters. Argument is supported for a 19p13.2‐cen position for LW and a long arm position for LU and SE.

Some Blood Group Frequencies in a Caucasian Population

The data here recorded have been gathered over the past year or so; they are the results of tests on unrelated “normal” adult Caucasian Manitobans. There has been no selection which might be expected to alter distribution. The Lutheran, Kell and Kidd systems. For the Lutheran system all samples were tested with anti-Lua (Scrog/8) and anti-Lub (Sav/8) by the saline capillary method. The serum Scrog contains an antibody of the Bennett-Goodspeed family (RACE and SANGER [4]). Th‘ is was eliminated by absorbing Scrog on known Lu(a +) Bennett-Goodspeed-negative cells and then eluting. The eluate was used to check all Scrog-positive samples. The single example of Lu(b-) was checked by the indirect Coombs method. We do not know of any other large series tested with both anti-Lua and anti-Lub. The data in Table 1 agree with expectation while the calculated gene and genotype frequencies do not differ significantly from those calculated by RACE and SANGER [4] based on tests with anti-Lu*. For the Kell system all samples were tested with anti-K (Nash), anti-k (D/16), anti-Kpa (McM) and anti-Kpb (Raut/4) by the papain capillary method. Anti-Kpb (Raut) contains a weak anti-K but in the 1 : 4 dilution in which it was used it does not react more weakly with K + than with Kcells. Some, but not all, of the K + samples were checked with anti-Kpb (Brat) by the indirect Coombs method: antiKpb (Brat) is thought not to contain anti-K. The data in Table I agree with expectation while the gene and genotype frequencies are in close agreement with those calculated by ALLEN, LEWIS and FUDENBERG [l]. For the Kidd system the indirect Coombs capillary method was used, each sample being tested with anti-Jkb (Kni/8) and one of two

The Bennett-Goodspeed antigen or antigens.

Many sera used in blood grouping contain a second antibody. Not infrequently this belongs to what appears to be a family of antibodies called variously anti‐Donna, anti‐Sturgeon, anti‐Ho, anti‐Bennett‐Goodspeed, anti‐Price, etc. The reactions with the sera are not always reproducible. The antigen was found in 7 out of 158 unrelated parents. In 5 of 72 negative x negative matings one child or more was positive.

Evidence for Genetic Linkage between the KEL and YT Blood Group Loci

Abstract. Peak lods (Ẑ) of 3.48 at an estimated recombination fraction of 0.28 derived from 63 male and 90 female meioses indicate linkage between the KEL and YT blood group loci. Consideration is given to two families; a realistic interpretation of the data increases Ẑ to 4.24 at = 0.26.

The Sequence of Chromosome 3 Loci AHSG:TF:CHE1

A large Hutterite kindred was examined for possible linkage between the chromosome 3 markers; cholinesterase (CHE1), transferrin (TF), and alpha-2HS glycoprotein (AHSG). Linkage between TF and AHSG was suggested in males (z = 1.515, theta = 0.08) and between CHE1 and TF(z = 0.661, theta = 0.21). However, linkage between CHE1 and AHSG in males was not established. Based on lods and a nuclear family informative for all three loci a possible chromosomal alignment for the loci is presented.

The Rh Antigen Dw (Wiel)

Evidence is brought forward confirming that the antigen “Wiel” (Transfusion 2: 150, 1962) is part of the D segment of the Rh system; is rare in Whites (none in 13,000) but not uncommon in Negroes (9 positive in 253). Its name is changed to Dw, Rh(23) or rhwo, the common genes designated ***Dwe or Rwo, CDwe or Rwo1 and cDwE or Rwo2, and a table of phenotypes and genotypes given. When Dw is not partnered with D it reacts as a Du; its specific nature is recognized by reaction with anti‐Dw.

Genetic Linkage between the Radin and Rh Blood Group Loci

Abstract. Lods of +3.89 at a recombination fraction (Θ) of 0.10 and recombinant: non‐recombinant counts of 2:16 indicate linkage between the Rd and Rh blood group loci. The possibility that Rd is the same as Sc is discussed.