Localization of the fast skeletal muscle troponin I gene (TNNI2) to 11p15.5: genes for troponin I and T are organized in pairs.

We have localized the gene encoding the fast skeletal muscle isoform of troponin I (TNNI2) to 11p15.5 by PCR-based analysis of somatic cell hybrid panels: based on the Genebridge4 radiation hybrid panel, TNNI2 is coincident with the marker D11S922. The gene encoding the fast skeletal muscle troponin T gene (TNNT3) has been previously assigned to 11p15.5 suggesting that TNNI2 and TNNT3 may be closely linked. The overall location of genes encoding troponin I and T isoforms now reveals that they are organized at three loci each containing a troponin I/troponin T gene pair. This organization contrasts with all other sarcomeric protein genes and has implications for the evolution of these two gene families, for their regulation and for the analysis of mutations suspected to result in cardiomyopathy.