Studies on the Biosynthetic Pathway of Human P Erythrocyte Antigen using Genetic Complementation Tests between Fibroblasts from Rare p and Pk Phenotype Donors

Abstract

Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, [human] P antigen is not detected on skin fibroblasts from Pk1, Pk2 or p donors. P antigen is reexpressed on polykaryon cells obtained by fusion of Pk .times. p fibroblasts. P antigen is not expressed on polykaryon cells from Pk .times. Pk or p .times. p fusion. In Pk and p fibroblasts, at least 2 distinct genes are apparently modified, one in the p phenotype and the other in the Pk phenotype. The 2 Pk phenotypes studied seem to be homogeneous from a genetic view point, as do the 5 p phenotypes.