AM(1), THE FIRST GENETIC MARKER OF HUMAN IMMUNOGLOBULIN A

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.64.4.1211
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T06:17:31Z
• Authors: G. N. Vyas; H. H. Fudenberg
• Keywords: Male; Isoantigens; Black People; Immunoglobulins; White People; Pedigree; 3. Good health; Black or African American; Genetics, Population; Asian People; Gene Frequency; Japan; Humans; Female; gamma-Globulins; Saliva; Molecular Biology; Genes, Dominant

The genetic markers of human immunoglobulins have significantly contributed to the understanding of the molecular biology of antibody synthesis. Like the Gm markers of IgG, the first genetic marker of serum IgA, a major immunoglubulin of exocrine secretions, has now been defined and termed Am(1). It is inherited as a Mendelian dominant trait and is independent of the Gm and Inv allotypes. Am(1) is localized in the α-chains of the γA 2 subclass and is independent of the serum γA 2 levels. Its polymorphism makes it suitable for studies in population genetics and the molecular biology of IgA globulin.