TheIL-1? and ? genes are closely linked (<70 kb) on mouse chromosome 2

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Abstract
The murineIL-1α andIL-1β genes encode structurally and evolutionarily related cytokines that exert a regulatory role in numerous physiological processes including hemopoiesis. Previous studies have shown these genes to be closely linked in the F region of mouse chromosome 2. Here we show, using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, that theIL-1α and β genes of the CBA/H mouse are very closely linked and contained within a SmaI genomic fragment of ∼70 kb. From conventional and PFGE analyses we suggest thatIL-1β lies 5′ toIL-1α and that the two genes are in the same orientation and separated by ∼50 kb. The apparent clustering of such hemopoietic genes is discussed in relation to evolutionary tandem gene duplication and possible associations with chromosomal fragile sites and leukemogenesis.