The human complement component C8B gene: structure and phylogenetic relationship.

The eighth component of human complement (C8) is a serum protein that consists of three chains (alpha, beta and gamma), encoded by three separate genes, viz., C8A, C8B, and C8G. In serum, the beta-subunit is non-covalently bound to the disulfide-linked alpha-gamma subunit. Using a full-length C8 beta cDNA probe, we isolated several clones from human genomic lambda DNA libraries. Four lambda clones covering the complete cDNA sequence were characterized by TaqI restriction mapping and were "shotgun" subcloned into M13. C8 beta-cDNA-positive clones were partially sequenced to characterize the 12 exons of the gene with sizes from 69 to 347 bp. All intron-exon junctions followed the GT-AG rule. By using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers located in the adjacent intron sequences, all 12 exons of the C8B gene could be amplified from genomic DNA. All fragments showed the expected sizes. The sizes of eight introns could be determined by using primer pairs that amplified two exons and the enclosed intron, and by restriction mapping. These analyses and the insert sizes of the genomic lambda clones indicate that the C8B gene has a total size of approximately 40 kb. The polymorphic TaqI site of the C8B gene localized in intron 11 could be demonstrated by direct restriction fragment analysis of a PCR fragment containing exons 11 and 12, and the enclosed intron 11. Homology comparison of the C8B gene with C8A and C9 on the basis of the exon structure confirmed the ancestral relationship known from the protein level.

C8 reference typing report and nomenclature recommendation.

Using two different typing techniques (i.e. polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAGIF) with Western blot and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of precipitated C8 under nonreducing conditions with Western blot), the following observations were made during the reference typing for C81 (C8A). The Japanese variant A1J is probably identical with A1Cauc, whereas B1J is definitely different from B1Cauc and could therefore provisionally be named HB3'. Variant 'A2' from Japan is focused in an intermediate position, but different from M1 and could be named 'M2'. Both variants possess normal A subunits. B2 from Japan is clearly different from B1Cauc and should retain its designation. In PAGIF, its subunit has a position more anodal than A. Summarizing these results, more information is needed before a final nomenclature can be proposed.