Mapping the gene encoding Cry j 1: a major Cryptomeria japonica pollen allergen

Cryptomeria japonica D. Don (Sugi, Japanese cedar) causes a serious allergic disease in Japan. In this report, we describe cDNA polymorphisms of Cry j 1, one of the major allergens involved in C. japonica pollinosis. We detected two cDNA sequences encoding Cry j 1, one of which was different from all sequences previously reported. A cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker that distinguishes a nucleotide difference between the detected cDNA sequences was developed and designated CRYJ1-352 because it has a polymorphic site at position 352 of mature Cry j 1. In an inheritance analysis based on 65 progeny trees from a controlled cross between Iwao-sugi x Boka-sugi, this CAPS marker showed a Mendelian segregation pattern. In addition, the location of CRYJ1-352 was determined on the linkage map of Iwao-sugi.