Chromosomal localization of human genes for arylamine N-acetyltransferase

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase is encoded at two loci, AAC-1 and AAC-2, on human chromosome 8. The products of the two loci are able to catalyse N-acetylation of arylamine carcinogens, such as benzidine and other xenobiotics. AAC-2 is polymorphic and individuals carrying the slow-acetylator phenotype are more susceptible to benzidine-induced bladder cancer. We have identified yeast artificial chromosome clones encoding AAC-1 and AAC-2 and have used the cloned DNAs as fluorescent probes for in situ hybridization. The hybridization patterns allow assignment of AAC-1 and AAC-2 to chromosome 8p21.3-23.1, a region in which deletions have been associated with bladder cancer [Knowles, Shaw and Proctor (1993) Oncogene 8, 1357-1364].