Mapping of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy gene to chromosome 4q35-qter by multipoint linkage analysis and in situ hybridization

We have recently assigned the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) gene to chromome 4 by linkage to the microsatellite marker Mfd 22 (locus D4S171). We now report that D4S139, a VNTR locus, is much more closely linked to FSHD. Two-point linkage analysis between FSHD and D4S139 in nine informative families showed a maximum combined lod score (Zmax) of 17.28 at a recombination fraction theta of 0.027. Multipoint linkage analysis between FSHD and the loci D4S139 and D4S171 resulted in a peak lod score of 20.21 at 2.7 cM from D4S139. Due to the small number of recombinants found with D4S139, the position of the FSHD gene relative to that of D4S139 could not be established with certainty. D4S139 was mapped to chromosome 4q35-qter by in situ hybridization, thus firmly establishing the location of the FSHD gene in the subtelomeric region of chromosome 4q. One small family yielded a negative lod score for D4S139. In the other families no significant evidence for genetic heterogeneity was obtained. Studies of additional markers and new families will improve the map of the FSHD region, reveal possible genetic heterogeneity, and allow better diagnostic reliability.     

Evidence for heterogeneity in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a slowly progressive primary disease of muscle which is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder. FSHD has been localized to the long arm of chromosome 4, specifically to the 4q3.5-qter region. Initially published linkage studies showed no evidence for heterogeneity in FSHD. In the present study we have examined individuals in seven FSHD families. Two-point lod scores show significant evidence for linkage for D4S163 (lod score 3.04 at recombination fraction .21) and D4S139 (lod score 3.84 at recombination fraction .20). D4S171 also gave a positive score (lod score 2.56 at recombination fraction .24). Significant evidence for heterogeneity was found for each of the three markers. Multipoint linkage analysis in this region resulted in a peak multipoint lod score of 6.47. The multipoint analysis supported the two-point studies with odds of 20:1 showing linkage and heterogeneity over linkage and homogeneity. Five of the seven families gave a posterior probability of >95% of being of the linked type, while two families appeared unlinked to this region of 4q (P < .01%). Individuals in the two unlinked families met the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of FSHD, including facial weakness, clavicular flattening, scapula winging, proximal muscle weakness, and myopathic changes on muscle biopsies without inflammatory or mitochondrial pathology. This study demonstrates genetic heterogeneity in FSHD and has important implications for both genetic counseling and the elucidation of the etiology of FSHD.     

Linkage analyses of five chromosome 4 markers localizes the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) gene to distal 4q35

The genetic locus for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has been mapped to chromosome 4. We have examined linkage to five chromosome 4q DNA markers in 22 multigenerational FSHD families. Multipoint linkage analyses of the segregation of four markers in the FSHD families and in 40 multigenerational mapping families from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humaine enabled these loci and FSHD to be placed in the following order: cen-D4S171-factor XI-D4S163-D4S139-FSHD-qter. One interval, D4S171-FSHD, showed significant sex-specific differences in recombination. Homogeneity tests supported linkage of FSHD to these 4q DNA markers in all of the families we studied. The position of FSHD is consistent with that generated by other groups as members of an international FSHD consortium.     

Regional mapping of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy gene on 4q35: Combined analysis of an international consortium

Members of an international consortium for linkage analysis of the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) gene have pooled data for joint analyses, in an attempt to determine the precise location of the FSHD gene and the order of four DNA markers on 4q35 region. Six laboratories determined a total of 3,078 genotypes in 65 families, consisting of a total of 504 affected subjects and 559 unaffected subjects. For each marker, a mean of 648 meioses were informative. D4S139 and D4S163 were identified as the closest linked markers to the FSHD locus, with 99% upper confidence intervals of recombination fractions of .08 and .10, respectively. We have used the CRI-MAP program to construct the most likely order of cen-D4S171-F11-D4S163-D4S139-FSHD-tel, with favorable odds of 10(8)-10(114) over all other orders except that in which F11 and D4S171 are reversed, for which the odds ratio was 191:1. With this order, the genetic map of this region extends 25.5 cM in males and 13.8 cM in females (averaging 19.5 cM for sexes combined); the sex difference was statistically significant (P = .0013). Comparison between families for the two-point and multipoint lod scores involving FSHD showed no evidence for heterogeneity of this disorder. However, after the completion of this analysis, one large family which might show heterogeneity was identified. In view of this and the fact that all of the linked markers reside on the same side of the FSHD locus, the clinical application of these markers is not recommended at this time.     

Chromosome 4q35 haplotypes and DNA rearrangements segregating in affected subjects of 19 Italian families with facioscapulohumeral musculatur dystrophy (FSHD)

Four DNA markers on the distal long arm of chromosome 4 have been analyzed for their linkage to facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy locus (FSHD) in a series of 16 Italian families. We found that, in two families, the disease is not linked to the 4q35 markers, indicating the presence of genetic heterogeneity among Italian FSHD families. Linkage analysis in the remaining families supports the order cen-D4S171-D4S163-D4S139-D4S810-FSHD-qter, in agreement with the physical map from the literature. EcoRI digestion and hybridization with the distal marker p13E-11 (D4S810) detected DNA rearrangements in the affected members of both sporadic and familial cases of FSHD, with family-specific fragments ranging in size between 15 kb and 28 kb. In three sporadic FSHD cases, the appearance of a new small fragment not present in either parent was clearly associated with the development of FSHD disease. However, in the familial cases analyzed, we observed two recombinations between all four 4q35 markers and the disease locus in apparently normal subjects, leaving open the possibility of nonpenetrance of the FSHD mutation.

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Genetic linkage map of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and five polymorphic loci on chromosome 4q35-qter

A genetic map of five polymorphic markers in the area of the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) gene on chromosome 4q35-qter has been constructed. With these five markers, a number of recombinants have been identified that allow ordering of the marker and the disease loci. The most likely locus order and the relative position of the FSHD gene supported by the recombinants is centromere-D4S171-F11-D4S187-D4S163-D4S139-FS HD-telomere. However, at least one recombination event appears to be inconsistent with this order and suggests a location of FSHD proximal to D4S139.     

Linkage localization of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in 4q35.

Fasioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has recently been localized to 4q35. We have studied four families with FSHD. Linkage to the 4q35 probes D4S163, D4S139, and D4S171 was confirmed. We found no recombinants helpful in detailed localization of the FSHD gene. Two of our families include males with a rapidly progressive muscle disease that had been diagnosed, on the basis of clinical features, as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. One of these males is available for linkage study and shares the haplotype of his FSHD-affected aunt and cousin.     

Identification of a New Locus for Autosomal Recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease with Focally Folded Myelin on Chromosome 11p15

Autosomal recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 4B (CMT4B) is a demyelinating hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy characterized by abnormal folding of myelin sheaths. A locus for CMT4B has previously been mapped to chromosome 11q23 in a southern Italian pedigree. We initially excluded linkage in two Tunisian families with CMT4B to chromosome 11q23, demonstrating genetic heterogeneity within the CMT4B phenotype. Subsequently, using homozygosity mapping and linkage analysis in the largest Tunisian pedigree, we mapped a new locus to chromosome 11p15. A maximum two-point lod score of 6.05 was obtained with the marker D11S1329. Recombination events refined the CMT4B locus region to a 5.6-cM interval between markers D11S1331 and D11S4194. The second Tunisian CMT4B family was excluded from linkage to the new locus, demonstrating the existence of at least a third locus for the CMT4B phenotype.     

Linkage analysis of Fanconi anaemia in Italy and mapping of the complementation group A gene

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterised by genetic heterogeneity, with at least five complementation groups (FA-A to FA-E). The FAC gene has been cloned and localised to 9q22.3. The most frequent defective gene, FAA, was recently mapped to chromosome 16q24.3, in a region of 10 cM between D16S498 and the telomere. Eleven FA-A and 16 unclassified Italian families were analysed by microsatellite markers. To define the localisation of the FAA locus further, microsatellites were analysed at 16q24. All the families were consistent with linkage, the highest lod score being observed with D16S1320. Evidence for common haplotypes was obtained in two genetic isolates from the Brenta basin and the Naples region. Autozygosity mapping and haplotype analysis suggest that the FAA locus is distal to D16S305. Received: 29 July 1996     

Fanconi anemia: evidence for linkage heterogeneity on chromosome 20q

Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which affected individuals are predisposed to acute myelogenous leukemia and other malignancies. We report the results of a genetic linkage study involving 34 families enrolled in the International Fanconi Anemia Registry. A significant lod score was obtained between D20S20, an anonymous DNA segment from chromosome 20q, and Fanconi anemia (Zmax 3.04, theta max = 0.12). However, six other anonymous DNA segments from chromosome 20q, including D20S19, which is highly polymorphic and tightly linked to D20S20, showed no or only weak evidence for linkage to Fanconi anemia. An admixture test revealed significant evidence for linkage heterogeneity (chi 2 = 6.10, P = 0.01) at the D20S19 locus. Lod scores suggestive of linkage between Fanconi anemia and this locus were obtained with two of the largest kindreds studied (lods = 2.6 and 2.1, at theta = 0.001). Thus, our data support the provisional assignment of a Fanconi anemia gene to chromosome 20q.     

Benign familial neonatal convulsions: confirmation of genetic heterogeneity and further evidence for a second locus on chromosome 8q

The syndrome of benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC) is a rare, autosomal dominant form of epilepsy. It is characterized by spontanous seizures beginning within the first 6 months of life. In the majority of families linkage is to chromosome 20q markers. Based on the linkage results in one large BFNC kindred, genetic heterogeneity and existence of a second locus on chromosome 8 have been suggested. Here we report on a second BFNC family in which linkage to the EBN1 locus on chromosome 20q was excluded, confirming the genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. All affected family members experienced onset of seizures before the age of 2 months. Three BFNC subjects showed subsequent epileptic seizures after 12 months of age, showing that the risk of subsequent epilepsy is not restricted to the chromosome 20q linked BFNC families. A lod score of 0.99 was obtained with the marker D8S274, suggesting linkage to chromosome 8.     

Genetic and physical mapping on chromosome 4 narrows the localization of the gene for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

We have used a combination of classical RFLPs and PCR-based polymorphisms including CA repeats and single-strand conformation polymorphisms to generate a fine-structure genetic map of the distal long arm of chromosome 4q. This map is now genetically linked to the pre-existing anchor map of 4pter-4q31 and generates, for the first time, a complete linkage map of this chromosome. The map consists of 32 anchor loci placed with odds of greater than 1,000:1. The high-resolution map in the cytogenetic region surrounding 4q35 provides the order 4cen-D4S171-F11-D4S187-D4S163-D4S139-4q ter. When we used somatic cell hybrids from a t(X;4)(p21;q35) translocation, these five markers fell into three groups consistent with the genetic map-D4S171 and F11 in 4pter-4q35, D4S163 and D4S139 in 4q35-4qter, and D4S187 as a junction fragment between these two regions. These markers are in tight linkage to the gene for facioscapulo-humeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) mapped to this region by several collaborating investigators and provide a framework for further detailed analysis of this region.     

The human skeletal muscle adenine nucleotide translocator gene maps to chromosome 4q35 in the region of the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy locus

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a relatively common autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder. The gene for FSHD has recently been assigned to chromosome 4q35. Although abnormal mitochondrial and biochemical changes have been observed in FSHD, the molecular defect is unknown. In addition to the FSHD gene, the human muscle adenine nucleotide translocator gene (ANT1) is located on chromosome 4. Interestingly, biochemical studies recently showed a possible defect of ANT1. In order to evaluate the potential role of ANT1 in the etiology of FSHD, the human ANT1 gene was isolated by cosmid cloning and localized to 4q35, in the region containing the FSHD gene. However, in situ hybridization and physical mapping of somatic cell hybrids localized the ANT1 gene proximal to the FSHD gene. In addition, a polymorphic CA-repeat 5 kb upsstream of the ANT1 gene was used as a marker in FSHD and Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain families to perform linkage analysis. These data together exclude ANT1 as the primary candidate gene for FSHD. The most likely order of the loci on chromosome 4q35 is cen-ANT1-D4S171-F11-D4S187-D4S163-D4S139-FSHD-tel.     

Linkage between atopy and the IgE high-affinity receptor gene at 11q13 in atopic dermatitis families

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease frequently associated with allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Controversial linkage findings between atopy and markers at chromosome 11q13 led us to search chromosome 11 for genes conferring susceptibility to atopic dermatitis and atopy. Twelve families were investigated using highly polymorphic markers and a powerful model-free linkage test. Two markers gave evidence for linkage, D11S903 (P = 0.02) and FCER1B (P = 0.005). A two-point lod-score analysis between these two markers revealed significant evidence for linkage (z _max = 4.02 at (θ = 0.0). In regard to model-dependent lod-score analyses between atopic disorders and FCER1B, two-point analysis gave a lod score of z = 0.78 whereas two-locus analysis using a recessive-dominant mode of inheritance displayed a significant lod score of z = 3.55. Only 2 of 12 families showed evidence for linkage using the latter oligogenic model. In conclusion, the results of our study map the FCER1B gene in close proximity to D11S903, support the finding of Cookson et al. implicating the IgE high-affinity receptor gene (FCER1B) at 11q13, and furthermore suggest an oligogenic mode of inheritance as well as heterogeneity in the genetic susceptibility to atopy and atopic dermatitis. Received: 6 November 1995 / Accepted: 1 October 1997     

Refining the localization of the PKD2 locus on chromosome 4q by linkage analysis in Spanish families with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease type 2.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. At least two distinct forms of ADPKD are now well defined. In approximately 86% of affected European families, a gene defect localized to 16p13.3 was responsible for ADPKD, while a second locus has been recently localized to 4q13-q23 as candidate for the disease in the remaining families. We present confirmation of linkage to microsatellite markers on chromosome 4q in eight Spanish families with ADPKD, in which the disease was not linked to 16p13.3. By linkage analysis with marker D4S423, a maximum lod score of 9.03 at a recombination fraction of .00 was obtained. Multipoint linkage analysis, as well as a study of recombinant haplotypes, placed the PKD2 locus between D4S1542 and D4S1563, thereby defining a genetic interval of approximately 1 cM. The refined map will serve as a genetic framework for additional genetic and physical mapping of the region and will improve the accuracy of presymptomatic diagnosis of PKD2.     

Localisation of a gene for Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome to chromosome 11q14–q21 by homozygosity mapping

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome is an autosomal recessively inherited palmoplantar keratoderma of unknown aetiology associated with severe periodontitis leading to premature loss of dentition. Three consanguineous families, two of Turkish and one of German origin, and three multiplex families, one of Ethiopian and two of German origin, with 11 affected and 6 unaffected siblings in all were studied. A targeted genome search was initially attempted to several candidate gene regions but failed to demonstrate linkage. Therefore a genome-wide linkage scan using a combination of homozygosity mapping and traditional linkage analysis was undertaken. Linkage was obtained with marker D11S937 with a maximum two-point lod score of Z _max = 6.1 at recombination fraction θ = 0.00 on chromosome 11q14–q21 near the metalloproteinase gene cluster. Multipoint likelihood calculations gave a maximum lod score of 7.35 between D11S901 and D11S1358. A 9.2-cM region homozygous by descent in the affected members of the three consanguineous families lies between markers D11S1989 and D11S4176 harbouring the as yet unknown Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome gene. Haplotype analyses in all the families studied support this localisation. This study has identified a further locus harbouring a gene for palmoplantar keratoderma and one possibly involved in periodontitis. Received: 19 July 1997 / Accepted: 22 August 1997     

Confirmation of linkage to 1q21-31 in a Danish autosomal dominant juvenile-onset glaucoma family and evidence of genetic heterogeneity

Autosomal dominant juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma has been mapped to 1q21-31 in a number of American families. Our study confirms linkage in a Danish five-generation dominant juvenile-onset glaucoma family with a maximum two-point lod score of 6.67 at the D1S210 locus. Multipoint linkage analysis in a nine-generation Swedish family with dominant juvenile-onset glaucoma and iris hypoplasia excludes linkage to the region of approximately 18 cM between loci D1S104 and D1S218, shown to contain the previously mapped glaucoma gene. This study thus provides support for genetic heterogeneity with respect to dominant juvenile-onset glaucoma.     

Genetic analysis of 24 French families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.

The gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) has been mapped to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10 by linkage analysis. Thirty-four families with multiple cases of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MTC), including 24 families with origins in France, have been typed with nine polymorphic markers spanning the centromere of chromosome 10. No recombination was observed between the MEN2A locus and either of the four loci D10Z1 (lod score 12.79), D10S102 (lod score 6.38), D10S94 (lod score 7.76), and D10S34 (lod score 5.94). There was no evidence for genetic linkage heterogeneity in the panel of 34 families. Haplotypes were constructed for a total of 11 polymorphisms in the MEN2A region, for mutation-bearing chromosomes in 24 French families and for 100 spouse controls. One haplotype was present in four MEN2A families but was not observed in any control (P less than .01). Two additional families share a core segment of this haplotype near the MEN2A gene. It is likely that these six families have a common affected ancestor. Because the incidence of pheochromocytoma among carriers varies from 0% to 74% within these six families, it is probable that additional factors modify the expression of the MEN2A gene.     

Recombination between rhodopsin and locus D3S47 (C17) in rhodopsin retinitis pigmentosa families

Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) has shown linkage to the chromosome 3q marker C17 (D3S47) in two large adRP pedigrees known as TCDM1 and adRP3. On the basis of this evidence the rhodopsin gene, which also maps to 3q, was screened for mutations which segregated with the disease in adRP patients, and several have now been identified. However, we report that, as yet, no rhodopsin mutation has been found in the families first linked to C17. Since no highly informative marker system is available in the rhodopsin gene, it has not been possible to measure the genetic distance between rhodopsin and D3S47 accurately. We now present a linkage analysis between D3S47 and the rhodopsin locus (RHO) in five proven rhodopsin-retinitis pigmentosa (rhodopsin-RP) families, using the causative mutations as highly informative polymorphic markers. The distance, between RHO and D3S47, obtained by this analysis is theta = .12, with a lod score of 4.5. This contrast with peak lod scores between D3S47 and adRP of 6.1 at theta = .05 and 16.5 at theta = 0 in families adRP3 and TCDM1, respectively. These data would be consistent with the hypothesis that TCDM1 and ADRP3 represent a second adRP locus on chromosome 3q, closer to D3S47 than is the rhodopsin locus. This result shows that care must be taken when interpreting adRP exclusion data generated with probe C17 and that it is probably not a suitable marker for predictive genetic testing in all chromosome 3q-linked adRP families.     

DFNB48, a new nonsyndromic recessive deafness locus, maps to chromosome 15q23-q25.1

Nonsyndromic deafness locus (DFNB48) segregating as an autosomal recessive trait has been mapped to the long arm of chromosome 15 in bands q23-q25.1 in five large Pakistani families. The deafness phenotype in one of these five families (PKDF245) is linked to D15S1005 with a lod score of 8.6 at =0, and there is a critical linkage interval of approximately 7 cM on the Marshfield human genetic map, bounded by microsatellite markers D15S216 (70.73 cM) and D15S1041 (77.69 cM). MYO9A, NR2E3, BBS4, and TMC3 are among the candidate genes in the DFNB48 region. The identification of another novel nonsyndromic recessive deafness locus demonstrates the high degree of locus heterogeneity for hearing impairment, particularly in the Pakistani population.