EXCLUSION FROM PROXIMAL 11Q OF A COMMON GENE WITH MEGAPHENIC EFFECT ON ATOPY

We have typed three markers on proximal 11q in 131 random families wit h thr ee or more children studied for atopy. A summary map that includ es the FCER1B candidate was constructed. Using a 2-locus disease model , rye performed combined segregation and linkage analysis of three mod els, none of which suggested linkage. Nine marker loci on other chromo somes were also negative. In the regions swept by these 12 markers we cannot rule out a rare gene, perhaps of large effect, nor a common gen e of small effect. However, a common gene of large effect is excluded. These results and alternative strategies are discussed in the perspec tive of inconsistent evidence for a major atopy gene.