Mapping of familial primary pulmonary hypertension locus (PPH1) to chromosome 2q31-q32.

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is unknown, although in some instances families with multiple affected members suggest a genetic etiology.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We used microsatellite markers and linkage analysis in a large family with PPH to determine the chromosomal location of their disease gene. We tested a second, ethnically distinct, family for cosegregation of disease with markers from the linked region. We mapped the disease locus PPH1; GDB/HUGO designation (GDB:1381541; July 1996), approved when this work was accepted for publication in abstract form (Circulation. 1996;94[suppl I]:1-49.), in these families to a 27-cM region on chromosome 2q31-q32, with a maximum lod score of 3.87 associated with markers D2S350 and D2S364.

CONCLUSIONS

Cosegregation of this region with disease in different ethnic groups suggests that we mapped an important locus in familial PPH. Careful study of additional families and sporadic cases will be required to confirm this localization of PPH1 and characterize its overall role.