The human FEM1B gene maps to chromosome 15q22 and is excluded as the gene for Bardet-Biedl syndrome, type 4

We have identified a novel human gene, FEM1B, that encodes a protein virtua lly identical to that encoded by the mouse gene Fem1b. These mammalian prot eins are homologs of the FEM-1 protein of Caenorhabditis elegans, which act s as a signal-transduction component within the nematode sex-determination pathway. We report here the mapping of FEM1B to chromosome 15q22, a region that is homologous to the region of mouse chromosome 9, where Fem1b resides . The BBS4 locus, one of the loci causing the autosomal recessive Bardet-Bi edl syndrome, maps to this region of chromosome 15. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the FEM1B gene might be involved in this disorder. Radia tion hybrid mapping demonstrates that FEM1B does not reside within the inte rval of chromosome 15 containing the BBS4 locus.