Mapping of the ceruloplasmin gene on human and laboratory mouse chromosomes by direct in situ hybridization

Mapping of ceruloplasmin gene in human and mouse chromosomes was carried out using the cloned fragments of rat chromosomal ceruloplasmin gene and of ceruloplasmin cDNA as specific hybridization probes. DNA probes were nick-translated with 125I-dCTP up to the high specific capacity. The number of silver grains as well as their distribution along the differentially stained chromosomes were analyzed in 120 metaphase plates from bone marrow cells of laboratory mice and in 181 plates from human lymphocyte cultures. The most probable localization of human ceruloplasmin gene is centromeric region q11-13 of chromosome 15(14?). In laboratory mice ceruloplasmin gene is assigned to the euchromatic part of D-disc of chromosome 9. The possible causes for gene synteny in laboratory mouse and in man as well as its evolutionary implication are discussed.