Genetics of the Lp System

Abstract

Studies on the genetics of the Lp types of human serum [BETA]-lipoprotein are reported. From results of material from 314 unrelated individuals and 94 families with 305 children, a hypothesis of determination by a gene pair Lp a and Lp[image] is proposed, the estimates of gene frequencies in the Norwegian population being 0.1877 and 0.8123 respectively. One apparent exception of this hypothesis was observed in a child among 128 from Lp(a[long dash])XLp(a[long dash]) parents being Lp(a+). Use of this system is evaluated with respect to discrimination between unrelated individuals, diagnosis of zygosity of twins, detection of interchange of children, and exclusion of a falsely accused father. Data showing the inheritance of the human transferrin variants B1, B2 and D1 are presented. In one pedigree these 3 transferrins occur together with transferrin C, suggesting that the genes controlling their synthesis are allelic.