Genetic studies of murine catalase: regulation of multiple molecular forms of kidney catalase.

Starch gel electrophoresis of kidney catalase in inbred strains C3H and C57BL/6, their F1 hybrid, and first and second backcross generations demonstrated that single-component (type A) v. multiple-component (type B) electrophoretic patterns are controlled by a single locus. The type A electrophoretic pattern is dominant. Twenty-five inbred strains of mice were classified according to their kidney catalase electrophoretic pattern. The data indicate that the segregating genetic factor determines a specific substance in the type A kidney which affects the electrophoretic mobility of catalase. A comparison of the F1 hybrid enzyme with a 1:1 mixture of C3H and C57BL/6 enzyme showed that the alteration of electrophoretic mobility is the result of posttranslational modification of the catalase molecule. An association of kidney catalase electrophoretic pattern and the H-2kappa haplotype indicates that the locus controlling the electrophoretic pattern is most likely located on chromosome 17 in close proximity to the H-2 complex.