A single base pair polymorphism in the WT1 gene detected by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis

The Wilms' tumor predisposition gene, WT1, was analysed exon-by-exon in a variety of tumours using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique. A consistent variation in the usual band pattern for exon 7 was detected in this survey. On sequencing, a silent mutation was noted in codon 313 resulting in an AG transition in an arginine codon. The AG transition destroys an AflIII restriction enzyme recognition site, which provides a rapid means of identifying heterozygotes at this locus. Analysis of the segregation of this polymorphism in families demonstrated a co-dominant inheritance pattern. In an analysis of 21 randomly selected individuals 25% were heterozygous at this locus, which makes this polymorphism useful in a variety of genetic analyses.