Detection of a molecular deletion at the DXS732 locus in a patient with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA), with the identification of a unique junctional fragment.

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) has been localized to the Xq12-q13.1 region. A panel of genomic DNA samples from 80 unrelated males with EDA has been screened for deletions at seven genetic loci within the Xq12-13 region. A single individual was identified with a deletion at the DXS732 locus by hybridization with the mouse genomic probe pcos169E/4. This highly conserved DNA probe is from locus DXCrc169, which is tightly linked to the Ta locus, the putative mouse homologue of EDA. The proband had the classical phenotype of EDA, with no other phenotypic abnormalities, and a normal cytogenetic analysis. A human genomic DNA clone, homologous to pcos169E/4, was isolated from a human X-chromosome cosmid library. On hybridization with the cosmid, the proband was found to be only partially deleted at the DXS732 locus, with a unique junctional fragment identified in the proband and in three of his maternal relatives. This is the first determination of carrier status for EDA in females, by direct mutation analysis. Failure to detect deletion of the other loci tested in the proband suggests that the DXS732 locus is the closest known locus to the EDA gene. Since the DXS732 locus contains a highly conserved sequence, it must be considered to be a candidate locus for the EDA gene itself.     

Linkage relationships of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome to 10 loci in the pericentromeric region of the human X chromosome

Twelve families with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) were studied by linkage analysis using 10 polymorphic marker loci from the X-chromosome pericentromeric region. The results confirm close linkage of WAS to the DXS14, DXS7, TIMP, and DXZ1 loci and are consistent with previous data suggesting that WAS maps to the proximal Xp and is flanked by the DXS14 and DXS7 loci. The strongest linkage (Z = 10.19 at theta = 0.00) was found to be between WAS and the hypervariable DXS255 locus, a marker locus already mapped between DXS7 and DXS14 and which was informative for all meioses included in this analysis. Linkage of the WAS to two pericentromeric Xq loci, DXS1 and PGK1, was also established. On the basis of these results, accurate predictive testing should now be feasible in the majority of WAS families.     

Linkage relationships and gene order around the locus for X-linked retinoschisis.

X-linked recessive retinoschisis (RS) is a hereditary disorder with variable clinical features. The main symptoms are poor sight; radial, cystic macula degeneration; and peripheral superficial retinal detachment. The disease is quite common in Finland, where at least 300 hemizygous males have been diagnosed. We used nine polymorphic DNA markers to study the localization of RS on the short arm of the X chromosome in 31 families comprising 88 affected persons. Two-point linkage results confirmed close linkage of the RS gene to the marker loci DXS43, DXS16, DXS207, and DXS41 and also revealed close linkage to the marker loci DXS197 and DXS9. Only one recombination was observed between DXS43 and RS in 59 informative meioses, giving a maximum lod score of 13.87 at the recombination fraction .02. No recombinations were observed between the RS locus and DXS9 and DXS197 (lods between 3 and 4), but at neither locus was the number of informative meioses sufficient to provide reliable estimates of recombination fractions. The most likely gene order on the basis of multilocus analysis was Xpter-DXS85-(DXS207,DXS43)-RS-DXS41-DXS 164-Xcen. Because multilocus linkage analysis indicated that the most probable location of RS is proximal to DXS207 and DXS43 and distal to DXS41, these three flanking markers are the closest and most informative markers currently available for carrier detection.     

Mapping of the gene for X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta by linkage analysis.

X-linked Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a genetic disorder affecting the formation of enamel. In the present study two families, one with X-linked dominant and one with X-linked recessive AI, were studied by linkage analysis. Eleven cloned RFLP markers of known regional location were used. Evidence was obtained for linkage between the AI locus and the marker p782, defining the locus DXS85 at Xp22, by using two-point analysis. No recombination was scored between these two loci in 15 informative meioses, and a peak lod score (Zmax) of 4.45 was calculated at zero recombination fraction. Recombination was observed between the more distal locus DXS89 and AI, giving a peak lod score of 3.41 at a recombination fraction of .09. Recombination was also observed between the AI locus and the more proximal loci DXS43 and DXS41 (Zmax = 0.09 at theta max = 0.31 and Zmax = 0.61 at theta max = 0.28, respectively). Absence of linkage was observed between the AI locus and seven other loci, located proximal to DXS41 or on the long arm of the X chromosome. On the basis of two-point linkage analysis and analysis of crossover events, we propose the following order of loci at Xp22: DXS89-(AI, DXS85)-DXS43-DXS41-Xcen.     

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: localization within the region Xq11-21.1 by linkage analysis and implications for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis.

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (H.E.D.) is a disorder of abnormal morphogenesis of ectodermal structures and is of unknown pathogenesis. Neither relatively accurate carrier detection nor prenatal diagnosis has been available. Previous localization of the disorder by linkage analysis utilizing restriction-fragment polymorphisms, by our group and others, has placed the disorder in the general pericentromeric region. We have extended our previous study by analyzing 36 families by means of 10 DNA probes at nine marker loci and have localized the disorder to the region Xq11-Xq21.1, probably Xq12-Xq13. Three loci--DXS159 (theta = .01, z = 14.84), PGK1 (theta = .02, z = 13.44), and DXS72 (theta = .02, z = 11.38)--show very close linkage to the disorder, while five other pericentromeric loci (DXS146, DXS14, DXYS1, DXYS2, and DXS3) display significant but looser linkage. Analysis of the linkage data yields no significant evidence for nonallelic heterogeneity for the X-linked form of the disorder. Both multipoint analysis and examination of multiply informative meioses with known phase establish that the locus for H.E.D. is flanked on one side by the proximal long arm loci DXYS1, DXYS2, and DXS3 and on the other side by the short arm loci DXS146 and DXS14. Multipoint mapping could not resolve the order of H.E.D. and the three tightly linked loci. This order can be inferred from published data on physical mapping of marker loci in the pericentromeric region, which have utilized somatic cell hybrid lines established from a female with severe manifestations of H.E.D., and an X/9 translocation (breakpoint Xq13.1). If one assumes that the breakpoint of the translocation is within the locus for H.E.D. and that there has not been a rearrangement in the hybrid line, then DXS159 would be proximal to the disorder and PGK1 and DXS72 would be distal to the disorder. Both accurate carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis are now feasible in a majority of families at risk for the disorder.     

Multipoint linkage analysis of loci in the proximal long arm of the human X chromosome: application to mapping the choroideremia locus.

Choroideremia (McK30310), an X-linked retinal dystrophy, causes progressive night blindness, visual field constriction, and eventual central blindness in affected males by the third to fourth decade of life. The biochemical basis of the disease is unknown, and prenatal diagnosis is not available. Subregional localization of the choroideremia locus to Xq13-22 was accomplished initially by linkage to two restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLPs), DXYS1 (Xq13-q21.1) and DXS3 (Xq21.3-22). We have now extended our linkage analysis to 12 families using nine RFLP markers between Xp11.3 and Xq26. Recombination frequencies of 0%-4% were found between choroideremia and five markers (PGK, DXS3, DXYS12, DXS72, and DXYS1) located in Xq13-22. The families were also used to measure recombination frequencies between RFLP loci to provide parameters for the program LINKMAP. Multipoint analysis with LINKMAP provided overwhelming evidence for placing the choroideremia locus within the region bounded by DXS1 (Xq11-13) and DXS17 (Xq21.3-q22). At a finer level of resolution, multipoint analysis suggested that the choroideremia locus was proximal to DXS3 (384:1 odds) rather than distal to it. Data were insufficient, however, to distinguish between a gene order that puts choroideremia between DXS3 and DXYS1 and one that places choroideremia proximal to both RFLP loci. These results provide linkage mapping of choroideremia and RFLP loci in this region that will be of use for further genetic studies as well as for clinical applications in this and other human diseases.     

Assignment of the gene for complete X-linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB1) to Xp11.3

X-linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a nonprogressive retinal disorder characterized by a presumptive defect of neurotransmission between the photoreceptor and bipolar cells. Carriers are not clinically detectable. A new classification for CSNB includes a complete type, which lacks rod function by electroretinography and dark adaptometry, and an incomplete type, which shows some rod function on scotopic testing. The refraction in the complete CSNB patients ranges from mild to severe myopia; the incomplete ranges from moderate hyperopia to moderate myopia. To map the gene responsible for this disease, we studied eight multigeneration families, seven with complete CSNB (CSNB1) and one with incomplete CSNB, by linkage analysis using 17 polymorphic X-chromosome markers. We found tight genetic linkage between CSNB1 and an Xp11.3 DNA polymorphic site, DXS7, in seven families with CSNB1 (LOD 7.35 at theta = 0). No recombinations to CSNB1 were found with marker loci DXS7 and DXS14. The result with DXS14 may be due to the small number of scored meioses (10). No linkage could be shown with Xq loci PGK, DXYS1, DXS52, and DXS15. Pairwise linkage analysis maps the gene for CSNB1 at Xp11.3 and suggests that the CSNB1 locus is distal to another Xp11 marker, TIMP, and proximal to the OTC locus. Five-point analysis on the eight families supported the order DXS7-CSNB1-TIMP-DXS225-DXS14. The odds in favor of this order were 9863:1. Removal of the family with incomplete CSNB (F21) revealed two most favored orders, DXS7-CSNB1-TIMP-DXS255-DXS14 and CSNB1-DXS7-TIMP-DXS255-DXS14. Heterogeneity testing using the CSNB1-M27 beta and CSNB1-TIMP linkage data (DXS7 was not informative in F21) was not significant to support evidence of genetic heterogeneity (P = 0.155 and 0.160, respectively).     

Clinical diversity and chromosomal localization of X-linked cone dystrophy (COD1).

X-linked progressive cone dystrophy (COD1) causes progressive deterioration of visual acuity, deepening of central scotomas, macular changes, and bull's-eye lesions. The cone electroretinography (ERG) is variably abnormal in affected males, and the rod ERG may also be abnormal. The clinical picture of heterozygous females ranges from asymptomatic to a widespread spectrum of cone-mediated dysfunction. A prior linkage study demonstrated linkage between the COD1 locus and the marker locus DXS84, assigned to Xp21.1, with no recombination. In the present study, we have clinically characterized a large four-generation family with COD1 and have performed a linkage analysis using seven polymorphic markers on the short arm of the X chromosome. No recombination was observed between the disease and the marker loci DXS7 and MAOA, suggesting that the location of COD1 is in the region Xp11.3, distal to DXS84 and proximal to ARAF1.     

Isolation and characterization of a highly polymorphic human locus (DXS455) in proximal Xq28

Human Xq28 is highly gene dense with over 27 loci. Because most of these genes have been mapped by linkage to polymorphic loci, only one of which (DXS52) is informative in most families, a search was conducted for new, highly polymorphic Xq28 markers. From a cosmid library constructed using a somatic cell hybrid containing human Xq27.3----qter as the sole human DNA, a human-insert cosmid (c346) was identified and found to reveal variation on Southern blot analyses with female DNA digested with any of several different restriction endonucleases. Two subclones of c346, p346.8 and p346.T, that respectively identify a multiallelic VNTR locus and a frequent two-allele TaqI polymorphism were isolated. Examination of 21 unrelated females showed heterozygosity of 76 and 57%, respectively. These two markers appeared to be in linkage equilibrium, and a combined analysis revealed heterozygosity in 91% of unrelated females. Families segregating the fragile X syndrome with key Xq28 crossovers position this locus (designated DXS455) between the proximal Xq28 locus DXS296 (VK21) and the more distal locus DXS374 (1A1), which is proximal to DXS52. DXS455 is therefore the most polymorphic locus identified in Xq28 and will be useful in the genetic analysis of this gene dense region, including the diagnosis of nearby genetic disease loci by linkage.     

Genetic mapping of the Xq27-q28 region: new RFLP markers useful for diagnostic applications in fragile-X and hemophilia-B families.

We have characterized and genetically mapped new polymorphic DNA markers in the q27-q28 region of the X chromosome. New informative RFLPs have been found for DXS105, DXS115, and DXS152. In particular, heterozygosity at the DXS105 locus has been increased from 25% to 52%. We have shown that DXS105 and DXS152 are contained within a 40-kb region. A multipoint linkage analysis was performed in fragile-X families and in large normal families from the Centre d'Etudes du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH). This has allowed us to establish the order centromere-DXS144-DXS51-DXS102-F9-DXS105-FRAX A-(F8, DXS15, DXS52, DXS115). DXS102 is close to the hemophilia-B locus (z[theta] = 13.6 at theta = .02) and might thus be used as an alternative probe for diagnosis in Hemophila-B families not informative for intragenic RFLPs. DXS105 is 8% recombination closer to the fragile-X locus than F9 (z[theta] = 14.6 at theta = .08 for the F9-DXS105 linkage) and should thus be a better marker for analysis of fragile-X families. However, the DXS105 locus appears to be still loosely linked to the fragile-X locus in some families. The multipoint estimation for recombination between DXS105 and FRAXA is .16 in our set of data. Our data indicate that the region responsible for the heterogeneity in recombination between F9 and the fragile-X locus is within the DXS105-FRAXA interval.     

Genetic mapping of DNA segments relative to the locus for the fragile-X syndrome at Xq27.3.

We have tested linkage between the locus for the fragile-X [fra(X)] syndrome at Xq27.3 and five polymorphic restriction sites identified by four DNA probes mapping distal to Xq26.1. A maximum distance of approximately 15 centimorgans (cM) between Xq27.3 and the marker loci mapping to this region was predicted based on the physical chromosome length. Close linkage between the disease and marker loci was excluded for probes DXS19 and DXS37 (theta = .05, Z = -2.94 and Z = -4.17, respectively). These marker loci were estimated to be less than five cM apart but approximately 40 cM proximal to the fragile site, indicating that there is a significantly greater frequency of recombination in this region of the X chromosome than expected from the physical length. Linkage results for the other marker loci and the fra(X) syndrome were inconclusive. However, the pX45d probe locus appears very closely linked to the factor IX locus (Z = 1.94 at theta = 0) and is approximately 20 cM proximal to Xq27.3. A relative map of the polymorphic restriction sites, fra(X) syndrome locus, and factor IX locus was constructed by maximizing lod scores over the Xq26.1----q27.3 region.     

Multipoint linkage analysis in Menkes disease.

Linkage analyses were performed in 11 families with X-linked Menkes disease. In each family more than one affected patient had been diagnosed. Forty informative meioses were tested using 11 polymorphic DNA markers. From two-point linkage analyses high lod scores are seen for DXS146 (pTAK-8; maximal lod score 3.16 at recombination fraction [theta] = .0), for DXS1 (p-8; maximal lod score 3.44 at theta = .0), for PGK1 (maximal lod score 2.48 at theta = .0), and for DXS3 (p19-2; maximal lod score 2.90 at theta = .0). This indicates linkage to the pericentromeric region. Multilocus linkage analyses of the same data revealed a peak for the location score between DXS146(pTAK-8) and DXYS1X(pDP34). The most likely location is between DXS159 (cpX289) and DXYS1X(pDP34). Odds for this location relative to the second-best-supported region, between DXS146(pTAK-8) and DXS159 (cpX289), are better than 74:1. Visualization of individual recombinant X chromosomes in two of the Menkes families showed the Menkes locus to be situated between DXS159(cpX289) and DXS94(pXG-12). Combination of the present results with the reported absence of Menkes symptoms in male patients with deletions in Xq21 leads to the conclusion that the Menkes locus is proximal to DXSY1X(pDP34) and located in the region Xq12 to Xq13.3.     

Optic atrophy in Leber hereditary optic neuroretinopathy is probably determined by an X-chromosomal gene closely linked to DXS7.

Leber hereditary optic neuroretinopathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited disease, probably transmitted by mutations in mtDNA. The variation in the clinical expression of the disease among family members has remained unexplained, but pedigree data suggest an involvement of an X-chromosomal factor. We have studied genetic linkage of the liability to develop optic atrophy to 15 polymorphic markers on the X chromosome in six pedigrees with LHON. The results show evidence of linkage to the locus DXS7 on the proximal Xp. Tight linkage to the other marker loci was excluded. Multipoint linkage analysis placed the liability locus at DXS7 with a maximum lod score (Zmax) of 2.48 at a recombination fraction (theta) of .0 and with a Zmax - 1 support interval theta = .09 distal to theta = .07 proximal of DXS7. No evidence of heterogeneity was found among different types of families, with or without a known mtDNA mutation associated with LHON.     

New distal marker closely linked to the fragile X locus

Summary We have isolated II-10, a new X-chromosomal probe that identifies a highly informative two-allele TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism at locus DXS466. Using somatic cell hybrids containing distinct portions of the long arm of the X chromosome, we could localize DXS466 between DXS296 and DXS304, both of which are closely linked distal markers for fragile X. This regional localization was supported by the analysis, in fragile X families, of recombination events between these three loci, the fragile X locus and locus DXS52, the latter being located at a more distal position. DXS466 is closely linked to the fragile X locus with a peak lod score of 7.79 at a recombination fraction of 0.02. Heterozygosity of DXS466 is approximately 50%. Its close proximity and relatively high informativity make DXS466 a valuable new diagnostic DNA marker for fragile X.     

Dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome (XDP) locus: flanking markers in Xq12-q21.1.

The study of rare genetic forms of dystonia and parkinsonism permits positional cloning of genes potentially involved in more common, multifactorial forms of these diseases. One movement disorder amenable to molecular genetic analysis is the X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome (XDP). This disease is endemic to the Philippines where it originated by a genetic founder effect. Linkage analysis was performed with DNA from 14 XDP kindreds by using 12 polymorphic DNA sequences in Xp11-Xq22. Two-point analysis demonstrated maximum lod scores of 5.45, 4.95, 4.28, and 5.99 for DXS106, DXS159, PGK1, and DXS72, respectively, at recombination fractions of zero (DXS106 and DXS159), .01 (PGK1), and .04 (DXS72). Multipoint analysis resulted in a maximum-likelihood score (Zmax) of 8.41 with a (Zmax - 1) support interval of 9 cM between DXS159 and DXS72 (Xq12-q21.1). In 19 XDP kindreds significant linkage disequilibrium was found for loci DXS72 (delta = .47), PGK1 (delta = .36), DXS95 (delta = .30), DXS106 (delta = .28), and DXS159 (delta = .26). These data indicate that the gene mutated in XDP (locus DYT3) is located in Xq12-q21.1.     

A DNA marker closely linked to the factor IX (haemophilia B) gene

Summary We have isolated a DNA segment, pX58dIIIc, from an X-chromosome library which identifies an SstI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at locus DXS99. Linkage analysis in six informative families has shown that the DXS99 locus lies close to the factor IX gene (F9). No recombination was detected between these loci in 39 informative meioses (Z=9.79, =0.0). Therefore, DXS99 will be useful as a DNA marker for the assessment of carrier status in families with haemophilia B where intragenic markers are not informative. Heterozygosity at DXS99 is approximately 50% and, in conjunction with the RFLPs at F9, 90% of females at risk for being haemophilia B carriers should be diagnosed.     

Further localization of X-linked hydrocephalus in the chromosomal region Xq28

X-linked hydrocephalus (HSAS) is the most frequent genetic form of hydrocephalus. Clinical symptoms of HSAS include hydrocephalus, mental retardation, clasped thumbs, and spastic paraparesis. Recently we have assigned the HSAS gene to Xq28 by linkage analysis. In the present study we used a panel of 18 Xq27-q28 marker loci to further localize the HSAS gene in 13 HSAS families of different ethnic origins. Among the Xq27-q28 marker loci used, DXS52, DXS15, and F8C gave the highest combined lod scores, of 14.64, 6.53 and 6.33, respectively, at recombination fractions of .04, 0, and .05, respectively. Multipoint linkage analysis localizes the HSAS gene in the telomeric part of the Xq28 region, with a maximal lod score of 20.91 at 0.5 cM distal to DXS52. Several recombinations between the HSAS gene and the Xq28 markers DXS455, DXS304, DXS305, and DXS52 confirm that the HSAS locus is distal to DXS52. One crossover between HSAS and F8C suggests that HSAS gene to be proximal to F8C. Therefore, data from multipoint linkage analysis and the localization of key crossovers indicate that the HSAS gene is most likely located between DXS52 and F8C. This high-resolution genetic mapping places the HSAS locus within a region of less than 2 Mb in length, which is now amenable to positional cloning.     

Refined localization of the gene causing X-linked juvenile retinoschisis

Previous linkage studies in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (RS) placed the gene between the loci DXS43 and DXS41 in the region Xp22.2-p22.1. Here we have extended our earlier studies by analyzing 31 RS families with the markers DXS16 (pSE3.2-L), DXS274, DXS92, and ZFX. Pairwise linkage analysis revealed significant linkage of the RS gene to all markers used; locus DXS274 (probe CRI-L1391) was tightly-linked to the disorder, with a lod score of 9.02 at a recombination fraction of 0.05. The genetic map around the RS locus was refined by multilocus linkage studies in an expanded database including a large set of normal families (40 CEPH families). The results indicated that the RS gene locus lies between (DXS207, DXS43) and DXS274 with odds of 1.8 x 10(4):1 favoring this most likely location over the second most likely location, i.e., distal to DXS43. Analysis by LINKMAP gave a maximum location score of 136.4 with the order Xpter-DXS16-(DXS207,DXS43)-RS-DXS274-(D XS41,DXS92)-Xcen. To assess the diagnostic value of the markers in Finnish patients, a total of 12 markers were tested for allele frequencies in 126 Finnish unrelated blood donors. With the exception of the markers DXS207, DXS43, and DXS92, allele frequencies did not show any significant deviation from the data published elsewhere. Haplotype analysis was performed with five DNA markers flanking the RS locus. Patients from southwest Finland had a haplotype association that differed from the haplotype association found in the patients from north central Finland, favoring the hypothesis that the mutations in the two groups arose independently.     

A genetic linkage map of five marker loci in and around the Duchenne muscular dystrophy locus

Linkage analysis of five marker loci in and around the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) locus, DXS84, DXS206, DXS164, DXS270, and DXS28, was conducted with 499 families. Overall, the best multipoint distances were found to be DXS84-3.7 +/- 0.6 cM-DXS206-1.0 +/- 0.4 cM-DXS164-1.9 +/- 0.6 cM-DXS270-12.0 +/- 1.1 cM-DXS28. A comparison of this linkage map with the established physical map suggests the presence of hot spots for recombination in the DMD locus.     

Lowe oculocerebrorenal syndrome: DNA-based linkage of the gene to Xq24-q26, using tightly linked flanking markers and the correlation to lens examination in carrier diagnosis.

The Lowe syndrome (LS), or oculocerebrorenal syndrome, has been studied using DNA-based linkage analysis, and the findings have been correlated with the result of a thorough ophthalmologic examination. It was found that the LS gene was linked to markers in the Xq24-q26 region and that the locus DXS42 was the most closely linked marker, giving a LOD score of 3.12 at zero recombination distance. Combined with earlier data, this forms the basis for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis by using tightly linked flanking markers. A summary of our and other data suggests that the loci DXS17, DXS11, DXS87, and DXS42 are located on the proximal side, and DXS86 and DXS10 on the distal side of the Lowe locus. In isolated cases of LS the question of whether the mother is a carrier of the mutation arises. It was found that a lens examination with slit-lamp illumination and a count of the total number of lenticular opacities is a reliable method of ascertaining the carrier state.