Physical maps of human alpha (1,3)fucosyltransferase genes FUT3-FUT6 on chromosomes 19p13.3 and 11q21.

Sialyl Lewis x and related fucosylated glycans are differentially expressed in human cells and form ligands for selectin adhesion receptors. alpha(1,3)Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) that complete their biosynthesis also show tissue specificity. We have established physical maps of the FUT3-6 loci to study regulation of this gene family. FUT4 has previously been localized to chromosome 11q21; FUT3, FUT6, and now FUT5 are localized to chromosome 19p13.3. Conventional and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis mapping of total genomic DNA and large genomic clones were used to generate a fine map of both loci, defining the order, orientation, and distances between FUTs. A P1 clone with all three 19p FUT genes in tandem orientation was isolated and used to study regions flanking FUT3, -5, and -6. Our studies provide preliminary information to study regulation of human FUT genes.