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Reports that four novel mutations (A219D, I192N, T120M and E134K) and one recurrent mutation (R121W) have been identified in MATN3 in seven families with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Indication that all of the disease causing mutations are located within the β sheet of the single A-domain of matrilin-3; Finding that the R121W mutation is associated with a marked interfamilial variability in the radiographic phenotype of patients.

Diagnosis of autosomal dominant adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) is possible by ultrasonographic scanning (USS) or by using DNA markers linked to the PKD1 locus. Ultrasonography is complicated by the age dependent penetrance of the gene and linkage studies are subject to recombination errors owing to meiotic crossing over and locus heterogeneity. This study draws on data collected from a voluntary family register of APKD over 10 years. Records of 150 families were examined, ultrasound reports were obtained from 242 people at 50% prior risk, and 37 families were typed for DNA markers. The fraction of APKD resulting from loci unlinked to PKD1 (designated PKD2 here) was calculated at 2.94% (upper confidence limit 8.62%). Some subjects who were negative on initial scan later gave a positive scan, but there was no example of a definite gene carrier aged over 30 giving a negative scan. In families large enough for linkage analysis, most people who were at 50% prior risk could be given a final risk below 5% or above 95%, by using combined ultrasound and DNA studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Twenty-four families with adult onset polycystic kidney disease were typed for markers flanking the PKD1 locus on chromosome 16. The aggregated results gave a significant lod score in favour of linkage to PKD1. Within this group of families two showed unusual features: recombinations, including double recombinations, and, in one family, an unexpectedly high proportion of affected people. We consider the evidence that in these families the disease might result from a mutation at a different locus, PKD2, not linked to PKD1. We suggest that a useful test is to compare the relative numbers of meioses apparently non-recombinant and doubly recombinant for markers flanking the normal disease locus, ignoring meioses recombinant for only a single marker. Using this test, neither our two families nor the data published so far on other families provide compelling evidence for the existence of a second locus for adult polycystic kidney disease. For genetic counselling in families too small to give internal evidence for or against linkage, the extra uncertainty can be handled by using a higher recombination rate. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A particular haplotype defined by probes XV2c, KM19, and CS.7 at the D7S23 locus was found on 90% of chromosomes which carry cystic fibrosis (CF), but on only 11% of normal chromosomes in a UK sample of CF carriers. We show how such data can be used to calculate carrier risks for people with and without a family history of CF, and give examples of clinical applications. For parents or sibs of dead CF patients, phase and genotypes can often be assigned with only 1 to 2% error. However, this method is not suitable for prenatal testing where there is no history of CF; for couples with no family history, no fetus can be shown to be at more than 2% risk of being affected. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A recent report from the Departments of Health draws attention to the value of DNA diagnosis for inherited diseases and the need for planning these services in the National Health Service. There is great potential for preventive medicine, but a major immediate benefit is the newfound ability to exclude the carrier state in many people at risk and to protect fetuses from abortion when, as in most cases, they are shown to be normal by DNA tests. However, the widespread application of these new techniques requires prior evaluation and general acceptance. This will only be obtained after public debate, education of professionals and the population, and the establishment of adequate non-directive genetic counselling services. Some of the points to be considered in setting up molecular genetics laboratories are described. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A total of 102 families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been studied with linked DNA polymorphisms as an aid to estimating carrier risks for female relatives. Early work using probes RC8, L1.28, and pXUT23 gave very little clinically useful information because of the high recombination rates between these probes and Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the low proportion of women who were heterozygous. Clinically useful results were obtained using probes 99-6, 754, and particularly pERT87. Examples are given of deductions which can be made using these probes. The importance of a genetic register is stressed as a tool for long term contact with the families and other professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Seventy families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) known to the Institute of Child Health fall into three categories with respect to potential linkage analysis with the X chromosome DNA markers RC8 and L1.28 that bridge the DMD gene. Families in which there is at least one obligatory female heterozygote (n = 13). Here 'prediction' and 'exclusion' of DMD gene transmission may be possible, the accuracy being dependent on the closeness of the linkage of the DNA marker(s) to the DMD gene; an illustrative case is reported. Families in which there is a single affected boy, who also has one or more healthy brothers (n = 26). Given an informative restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), the probability that the boy represents a new mutation can be reassessed; it is also possible to 'exclude' the DMD gene in a sister. Families with a single affected boy with no brother (n = 30). Here 'exclusion' of the DMD gene in a sister may be possible. Only in one family was there no possibility of useful linkage analysis. The linkage analysis required is described, and the need to check DMD families for informative RFLPs is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports the outcome of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and candidate gene studies in five embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (E-RMS) patients with Costello syndrome (CS). Hypothesis that LOH at 11p15.5 is causally related to the genetic basis of both E-RMS and CS; Exclusion of a constitutional deletion at the locus in a series of patients; Screening of candidate genes for mutations from the region.

OBJECTIVES: In view of the recent reports of recurrent mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, we have undertaken to assess the frequency of these mutations in this population attending for genetic counselling and risk assessment of familial breast cancer. DESIGN: Mutation screening for the 185delAG and the 5382insC mutations in BRCA1 and the 6174delT mutation in BRCA2 was performed on DNA samples from either subjects affected by breast or ovarian cancer or obligate gene carriers. The likelihood of the cancers being hereditary in each family was calculated. SUBJECTS: Blood samples were obtained from 26 affected subjects or obligate gene carriers from 23 Ashkenazi Jewish families, all with a history of either early onset breast or ovarian cancers, or multiple cases of breast or ovarian cancer. RESULTS: Twelve mutations have been identified in the 23 families (52%) of which eight (67%) were the 185delAG mutation, three (25%) were the 6174delT mutation, and one (8%) was the 5382insC mutation. While the majority of these mutations were identified in families with a greater than 50% probability of being hereditary under the CASH segregation model, three mutations were identified in families with a 35% or less probability. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic screening of the recurrent mutations in Ashkenazi Jewish families will lead to the availability of predictive testing in a reasonably large proportion, even if the family history of breast/ovarian cancer is not particularly strong. In our view it is possible to reassure high risk unaffected members of these families, if the screening is negative for these mutations, even if a sample from an affected member of the family is unavailable for previous screening. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents an abstract of the article "An audit of DNA Quality Relative to the Test for Fascio Scapulo Humeral Dystrophy," by Jennifer Shorto, S. O'Shea, and R. Elles.