Pendred syndrome: evidence for genetic homogeneity and further refinement of linkage.

Pendred syndrome is the association between congenital sensorineural deafness and goitre. The disorder is characterised by the incomplete discharge of radioiodide from a primed thyroid following perchlorate challenge. However, the molecular basis of the association between hearing loss and a defect in organification of iodide remains unclear. Pendred syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and has recently been mapped to 7q31 coincident with the non-syndromic deafness locus DFNB4. To define the critical linkage interval for Pendred syndrome we have studied five kindreds, each with members affected by Pendred syndrome. All families support linkage to the chromosome 7 region, defined by the microsatellite markers D7S501-D7S523. Detailed haplotype analysis refines the Pendred syndrome linkage interval to a region flanked by the marker loci D7S501 and D7S525, separated by a genetic distance estimated to be 2.5 cM. As potential candidate genes have as yet not been mapped to this interval, these data will contribute to a positional cloning approach for the identification of the Pendred syndrome gene.     

Amish brittle hair syndrome gene maps to 7p14.1

The brittle hair syndrome (BHS) is characterized by short stature, intellectual impairment, brittle hair, and decreased fertility in 20 members from a large Amish consanguineous kindred previously reported affected with this syndrome. We mapped the BHS gene by genome scan to chromosome 7p14.1. Evidence of linkage was supported by a maximum multipoint LOD score of 6 obtained with GENEHUNTER for the linkage interval defined by markers D7S484-D7S2422 distant by 17.2 cM. Two-point linkage analysis performed with SUPERLINK yielded a LOD score of 9.02 at theta = 0 for marker D7S2497 located within that interval. Analysis of haplotypes homozygous-by-descent allowed fine mapping of the BHS gene within a 4.81 cM interval delimited by markers D7S2497 and D7S691, a region that spreads over 3.42 Mb.     

Linkage refinement localises Sorsby fundus dystrophy between markers D22S275 and D22S278.

Sorsby fundus dystrophy is an autosomal dominant disorder which both clinically and histopathologically bears striking similarities to age related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. Recent studies have suggested a genetic localisation of the disease to chromosome 22q in a large genetic interval of approximately 25 cM. Independent genetic linkage analysis in a six generation British pedigree confirms linkage to the chromosome 22q region. A maximum two point lod score of 7.09 with no recombination was obtained with marker D22S280. Haplotype data positioned the disease between loci D22S275 and D22S278, thus significantly reducing the region on chromosome 22q where the gene is located.     

Localization of a novel gene for nonsyndromic hearing loss (DFNB17) to chromosome region 7q31

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) is the most common form of hereditary hearing impairment (HHI). To date, 16 different loci have been reported, making ARNSHL an extremely heterogeneous disorder. One of these loci, DFNB4, was mapped to a 5-cM interval of 7q31 in a large Middle-Eastern Druze family. This interval also includes the gene for Pendred syndrome. We report on three new families with HHI from the Madras region of southern India that demonstrate linkage to 7q. Their pedigrees are compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance. Furthermore, the largest family identifies a novel locus (DFNB17) telomeric to the DFNB4 and Pendred intervals. A 3-cM region of homozygosity by descent between markers D7S486 and D7S2529 is present in all affected individuals in this family and generates a multipoint LOD score of 4.24. The two other families map to the previously reported DFNB4 region but have insufficient power to attain significant LOD scores. However, mutations in the Pendred syndrome gene are present in one of these families. Am. J. Med. Genet. 78:107–113, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct maps to 7q31, the region containing the Pendred gene

The most common form of inner ear abnormality, enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), is of particular interest because it is associated with characteristic clinical findings, including fluctuating and sometimes progressive sensorineural hearing loss and disequilibrium symptoms. Although EVA has been reported to be inherited in a recessive manner, nothing else is known about the genetic basis of this hearing loss. Here we report on the localization of the gene responsible for sensorineural hearing loss associated with EVA to chromosomal region 7q31, with maximum multipoint LOD score of 3.647. The EVA candidate gene region lies in a 1.7-cM interval between the flanking markers D7S501 and D7S2425. Interestingly, this region overlaps the region containing the gene responsible for Pendred syndrome, called PDS, which was identified recently. However, the present subjects did not fulfill the criteria for Pendred syndrome. It is hypothesized that different mutations within the PDS gene may cause different phenotypes ranging from EVA to the Mondini deformity seen in Pendred syndrome.     

Linkage disequilibrium in inbred North African families allows fine genetic and physical mapping of triple A syndrome

Triple A syndrome (Allgrove syndrome, MIM No. 231550) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by ACTH-resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia of the cardia, and alacrimia. The triple A gene has been previously mapped to chromosome 12q13 in a maximum interval of 6 cM between loci D12S1629 and D12S312. Using linkage analysis in 12 triple A families, mostly originating from North Africa, we confirm that the disease locus maps to the 12q13 region (Zmax = 10.89 at theta = 0 for D12S1604) and suggest that triple A is a genetically homogeneous disorder. Recombination events as well as homozygosity for polymorphic markers enabled us to reduce the genetic interval to a 3.9 cM region. Moreover, total linkage disequilibrium was found at the D12S1604 locus between a rare allele and the mutant chromosomes in North African patients. Analysis of markers at five contiguous loci showed that most of the triple A chromosomes are derived from a single founder chromosome. As all markers are located in a 0 cM genetic interval and only allele 5 at the D12S1604 locus was conserved in mutant chromosomes, we speculate that the triple A mutation is due to an ancient Arabian founder effect that occurred before migration to North Africa. Since we also found linkage disequilibrium at D12S1604 in two patients from Southern Europe (France and Spain), the founder effect might well extend to other Mediterranean countries. Taking advantage of a YAC contig encompassing the triple A minimal physical region, the triple A gene was mapped to a 1.7 Mb DNA fragment accessible to gene cloning.     

A linkage study with DNA markers (D4S95, D4S115, and D4S111) in Japanese Huntington disease families

Summary Attempts to isolate the Huntington disease (HD) gene based on its position have been frustrated by apparently contradictory recombination events in HD pedigrees that have predicted two non-over-lapping candidate regions: 100 kb at the telomere of the short arm of chromosome 4, and a 2.2 Mb region located internally at 4p16.3. The proximal location is also supported by the detection of a linkage disequilibrium between HD and some restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RF-LPs) at the D4S95, D4S98, and D4S127 loci. In the present study, a proximal marker D4S95 showed tight linkage to the disease locus in Japanese pedigrees (Z_max=3.31, _max=0.00), while distal markers D4S115 and D4S111 did not. Particularly, a two point linkage analysis between D4S111 and HD yielded a lod score –2.01 for =0.015. This result leads to the exclusion, as a possible region of localization of the HD gene, of more than 3 cM of the genome around D4S111 locus. At the same time our results favor aforementioned proximal location as a candidate location for the HD gene.     

Detailed genetic mapping of the von Hippel-Lindau disease tumour suppressor gene.

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant inherited familial cancer syndrome characterised by a predisposition to the development of retinal, cerebellar, and spinal haemangioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma, and phaeochromocytoma. The gene for VHL disease has been mapped to chromosome 3p25-p26 and flanking markers identified. We report the detailed genetic mapping of the VHL disease locus in 38 families. Significant linkage was detected between VHL disease and D3S601 (Zmax = 18.86 at theta = 0.0, CI 0.0-0.025), D3S18 (Zmax = 11.42 at theta = 0.03, CI 0.005-0.08), RAF1 (Zmax = 11.02 at theta = 0.04, CI 0.007-0.01), and D3S1250 (Zmax = 4.73 at theta = 0.05, CI 0.005-0.15). Multipoint linkage analysis mapped the VHL disease locus between D3S1250 and D3S18 close to D3S601. There was no evidence of locus heterogeneity. This study has (1) confirmed the tight linkage between VHL disease and D3S601, (2) identified D3S1250 as the first marker telomeric to RAF1 which maps centromeric to the VHL disease gene, and (3) narrowed the target region for isolation of the VHL disease gene by positional cloning techniques to a 4 cM interval between D3S1250 and D3S18. These findings will improve the clinical management of families with VHL disease by improving the accuracy of presymptomatic diagnosis using linked DNA markers, and will enhance progress towards isolating the VHL disease gene.     

Smith-Fineman-Myers综合征基因定位于Xq25

目的　定位 Ｓｍｉｔｈ Ｆｉｎｅｍ ａｎ Ｍｙｅｒｓ 综合征基因,为分离该基因奠定基础。方法　应用覆盖 Ｘ染色体全长的、具有多态性的短串联重复序列（ Ｓ Ｔ Ｒ） 对 Ｘ 染色体进行扫查,确定致病基因所在区域和与致病基因连锁的 Ｓ Ｔ Ｒ 位点,再对该位点两侧的 Ｓ Ｔ Ｒ 位点进行分析,确定致病基因的精确位置。结果　用２０个覆盖 Ｘ 染色体全长的、具有多态性的 Ｓ Ｔ Ｒ 位点对该综合征患者家系中的１３ 个能明确提供连锁分析信息的家系成员进行分析,发现位于 Ｘｑ２５ 上的 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ１００１ 与致病基因紧密连锁,最大两点ｌｏｄｓ 得分为３０１（θ＝ ０） ,对 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ１００１ 两侧的 Ｓ Ｔ Ｒ 分析证实,该致病基因位于 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ１００１ 区域,单体型分析表明该致病基因位于 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ８０６４ 和 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ８０５０ 之间,区域为１４６ｃ Ｍ。结论　 Ｓｍｉｔｈ Ｆｉｎｅｍ ａｎ Ｍｙｅｒｓ 综合征基因,位于 Ｘｑ２５ 上的 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ８０６４ 和 Ｄ Ｘ Ｓ８０５０ 之间的１４６ｃ Ｍ 区域,该基因的定位为分离该基因奠定了基础。     

A locus for spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome at chromosome 3p14

Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by vertebral fusions, frequently manifesting as an unsegmented vertebral bar, as well as fusions of the carpal and tarsal bones.

In a study of three consanguineous families and one non-consanguineous family, linkage analysis was used to establish the chromosomal location of the disease gene. Linkage analysis localised the disease gene to chromosome 3p14. A maximum lod score of 6.49 (q = 0) was obtained for the marker at locus D3S3532 on chromosome 3p. Recombination mapping narrowed the linked region to the 5.7 cM genetic interval between the markers at loci D3S3724 and D3S1300. A common region of homozygosity was found between the markers at loci D3S3724 and D3S1300, defining a physical interval of approximately 4 million base pairs likely to contain the disease gene.

Identification of the gene responsible for this disorder will provide insight into the genes that play a role in the formation of the vertebral column and joints.

     

Clouston hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED): genetic homogeneity, presence of a founder effect in the French Canadian population and fine genetic mapping

HED is an autosomal dominant skin disorder that is particularly common in the French Canadian population of south-west Quebec. We previously mapped the HED gene to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 13q using linkage analysis in eight French Canadian families. In this study, we extend our genetic analysis to include a multiethnic group of 29 families with 10 polymorphic markers spanning 5.1 cM in the candidate region. Two-point linkage analysis strongly suggests absence of genetic heterogeneity in HED in four families of French, Spanish, African and Malaysian origins. Multipoint linkage analysis in all 29 families generated a peak lod score of 53.5 at D13S1835 with a 1 lod unit support interval spanning 1.8 cM. Recombination mapping placed the HED gene in a 2.4 cM region flanked by D13S1828 proximally and D13S1830 distally. We next show evidence for a strong founder effect in families of French Canadian origin thereby representing the first example of a founder disease in the south-west part of the province of Quebec. Significant association was found between HED in these families and all markers analysed (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001). Complete allelic association was detected at D13S1828, D13S1827, D13S1835, D13S141 and D13S175 (P(excess) = 1) spanning 1.3 cM. A major haplotype including all 10 associated alleles was present on 65% of affected chromosomes. This haplotype most likely represents the founder haplotype that introduced the HED mutation into the French Canadian population. Luria-Delbrück equations and multipoint likelihood linkage disequilibrium analysis positioned the gene at the D13S1828 locus (likely range estimate: 1.75 cM) and 0.58 cM telomeric to this marker (support interval: 3.27 cM) respectively.     

Linkage studies in dominant optic atrophy, Kjer type: possible evidence for heterogeneity.

Dominant optic atrophy, Kjer type, is an autosomal dominant disorder causing progressive loss of visual acuity and colour vision from early childhood. The gene (OPA1) has variable expressivity, a penetrance of 0.98, and the locus has been localised to 3q28-29. We have genotyped nine British families with the disease using 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers from this region. Linkage and haplotype analysis shows the OPA1 gene to be located in a 2.3 cM interval between markers D3S1601 and D3S2748. One family showed no evidence of linkage with the chromosome 3 markers, suggesting for the first time that locus heterogeneity for this disease may exist, although exclusion for linkage is based on unaffected subjects. In addition, analysis of recombinants has enabled us to order the 12 markers along chromosome 3.     

An ancestral core haplotype defines the critical region harbouring the North Carolina macular dystrophy gene (MCDR1).

Autosomal dominant North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD) or central areolar pigment epithelial dystrophy (CAPED) is an allelic disorder that maps to an approximately 7.2 cM interval between DNA markers at D6S424 and D6S1671 on 6q14-q16.2. The further refinement of the disease locus has been hindered by the lack of additional recombination events involving the critical region. In this study, we have identified three multigeneration families of German descent who express the NCMD phenotype. Genotyping was carried out with a series of markers spanning approximately 53 cM around the NCMD locus, MCDR1. Genetic linkage between the markers and the disease phenotype in each of the families could be shown. Disease associated haplotypes were constructed and provide evidence for an ancestral founder for the German NCMD families. This haplotype analysis suggests that a 4.0 cM interval flanked by markers at D6S249 and D6S475 harbours the gene causing NCMD, facilitating further positional cloning approaches.     

Homozygosity mapping of lethal congenital contractural syndrome type 2 (LCCS2) to a 6 cM interval on chromosome 12q13

We have recently described a novel autosomal recessive disorder, lethal congenital contractural syndrome type 2 (LCCS2) (OMIM 607598), in a large Israeli Bedouin kindred. The phenotype, which is lethal in the neonatal period, is distinguished by the presence of a markedly distended urinary bladder. Association of LCCS2 to the known loci associated with arthogryposis was excluded. In the present study, we set out to determine the genetic locus harboring the gene defective in this disease. We performed genome-wide linkage analysis, demonstrating linkage to a approximately 6 cM (corresponding to approximately 7.2 Mb) homozygosity region on chromosome 12q13 between markers D12S1604 and D12S83. Based on recombination events, the interval harboring the disease-associated locus was further narrowed to a region spanning approximately 6 cM ( approximately 6.4 Mb) between D12S325 and D12S1072. Linkage of LCCS2 to that locus was established, with two significant maximum peaks at markers D12S1604 (Z(max) = 10.56 at theta = 0.01) and D12S1700 (Z(max) = 9.23 at theta = 0.00).     

Refined genetic mapping of autosomal recessive chronic distal spinal muscular atrophy to chromosome 11q13.3 and evidence of linkage disequilibrium in European families

Chronic distal spinal muscular atrophy (Chronic DSMA, MIM (*)607088) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a progressive motor weakness and muscular atrophy, predominating in the distal parts of the limbs. A form of Chronic DSMA gene has been previously mapped to chromosome 11q13 in the 10.3 cM interval defined by loci D11S1889 and D11S1321. By linkage analysis in 12 European Chronic DSMA families, we showed that a disease gene maps to chromosome 11q13.3 (Z(max)=6.66 at theta=0.00 at the DSM4 locus) and suggested that this condition is genetically homogeneous. Recombination events allowed us to reduce the genetic interval to a 2.6 cM region, telomeric to the IGHMBP2 gene, excluding this gene as the disease causing gene in Chronic DSMA. Moreover, partial linkage disequilibrium was found between three rare alleles at loci D11S1369, DSM4 and D11S4184 and the mutant chromosome in European patients. Analysis of the markers at these loci strongly suggests that most Chronic DSMA chromosomes are derived from a single ancestor. Refinement of the Chronic DSMA locus will hopefully allow to test candidate genes and lead to identification of the disease-causing mutations.     

Localizaion of the gene for dominant cystoid macular dystrophy on chromosome 7p

In a family with autosomal dominant cystoid macular dystrophy(DCMD) lInkage was detected with the dinucleotide marker D7S435on the short arm of chromosome 7. With markers flanking D7S435,the DCMD locus could be asigned to the interval D7S493-D7S526at 7p15-p21, which spans approximately 20 cM. Three-points lInkageyIelded a maximal lod score of 9.46 and location score of 43.5and suggested that DCMD is 5, 5 cM proximal to D7S493. Recently,a retinitis plgmentosa (RP7) locus has been mapped in roughlythe same area of chromosome 7. Genetic data of both studiesdescribed below, allow a region of overlap between the locationof the DCMD and the RP7 gene between D7S435 and D7S526. Bothgenes being one and the same will further substantiate the closerelationship between macular degeneration and retinitis pIgmentosa.     

Localization of branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome to a 3 Mb region of chromosome 8q

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition of branchial arch anomalies, deafness and renal dysplasia. Clinical manifestations tend to have considerable intrafamilial and interfamilial variability. Previous linkage studies had localized the gene responsible for BOR syndrome to a broad region of chromosome 8q. Using 10 microsatellite markers, we have further refined the localization of this disorder by establishing tight linkage to two markers, D8S279 and D8S530 (Z_max = 3.91 and Z_max = 2.83 respectively at Θ = 0.00. These markers are within 1 cM of one another. Multipoint analysis, involving 7 loci, placed the gene between these markers, with a lod-1 confidence interval 0.7 cM proximal to D8S530 and 0.6 cM distal to D8S279. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Genetic heterogeneity in inherited spastic paraplegia associated with epilepsy

We have recently mapped a new rare form of spastic paraplegia complicated by bilateral cataracts, gastroesophageal reflux with persistent vomiting, and amyotrophy to chromosome 10q23.3-q24.2. This locus, named SPG9, is located in an interval spanning about 12 cM of genomic DNA, between markers D10S536 and D10S603, where different neurological disorders have been mapped. In particular, a gene for partial epilepsy has been assigned to a 3 cM interval between markers D10S185 and D10S577, which is completely included in the SPG9 critical region. A few families affected with spastic paraplegia and epilepsy have been reported; in the present study, we tested a pedigree with concurrence of spastic paraplegia, epilepsy, and mental retardation inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, using markers located in the SPG9 interval. Haplotype reconstruction excluded the linkage to 10q23.3-q24.2. In addition, the seven different loci so far reported to be associated with autosomal dominant pure forms of spastic paraplegia have been tested and excluded by linkage analysis and haplotype reconstruction, including SPG4 on chromosome 2p22-p21, where a familial form of spastic paraplegia associated with dementia and epilepsy has been mapped. These data confirm genetic heterogeneity in familial spastic paraplegia with epilepsy and suggest a specific locus for the family here analyzed.     

非综合征性耳聋一家系的基因定位

目的：定位1个一级表亲婚配非综合征性耳聋家系的致病基因，为分离该基因奠定基础。方法：先进行X染色体扫查，排除致病基因位于X染色体的可能；随后采用纯合子定位法，进行候选基因分析和常染色体基因组扫查；再对提示与致病基因紧密连锁的位点所在区域进一步分析，确定致病基因所在区域。结果：确认该家系的非综合征性耳聋为常染色体隐性遗传方式，候选基因分析排除25个已知基因是该家系致病基因的可能，而常染色体扫查提示致病基因位于D17S1293附近，进一步分析将其定位于D17S1850和D17S1818之间5．07cM区域。结论：该家系的致病基因定位于17q11.2-12的D17S1850和D17S1818之间5．07cM区域，是新的常染色体隐性遗传非综合征性耳聋致病基因位点。     

Genetic linkage of the tricho-dento-osseous syndrome to chromosome 17q21

Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome (TDO), MIM# 190320, is transmitted as a highly penetrant autosomal dominant trait that is characterized by variable clinical expression. The principal clinical features include kinky/curly hair in infancy, enamel hypoplasia, taurodontism, as well as increased thickness and density of cranial bones. Possible genetic linkage has been reported for TDO with the ABO blood group locus, but the gene defect remains unknown. We have identified four multiplex families (n = 63, 39 affected, 24 unaffected) from North Carolina segregating TDO. We previously have excluded a major locus for TDO in the ABO region for these families. Utilizing a genome-wide search strategy, we obtained conclusive evidence for linkage of the TDO syndrome locus to markers on chromosome 17q21 (D17S791, Z max = 10.54, Theta = 0.00) with no indication of genetic heterogeneity. Multipoint analysis suggests the TDO locus is located in a 7 cM chromosomal segment flanked by D17S932 and D17S941. This finding represents the first step towards isolation and cloning of the TDO gene. Identification of this gene has important implications for understanding normal and abnormal craniofacial development of hair, teeth and bone.