Chromosomal localisation of the human genes, CPP32, Mch2, Mch3, and Ich-1, involved in cellular apoptosis.

Members of the ICE/CED-3 protease family appear to play an essential role in programmed cell death process. In this paper the chromosomal localization of the human genes CPP32, Mch2, Mch3 and Ich-1 is reported, obtained by Radiation Hybrid Mapping. CPP32 was assigned to chromosome 4q33-q35.1, Mch2 to chromosome 4q25-q26, Mch3 to chromosome 10q25.1-q25.2 and Ich-1 to chromosome 7q35. Ich-1 was found to map very close to the marker WI-9353. The possible overlapping of the two independent locus assignements is considered. The genomic distribution of these genes is discussed, with particular reference to the co-location with some human genetic diseases all characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and by similar malformative features.