Exclusion of theMSX1homeobox gene as the gene for the Ellis van Creveld syndrome in the Amish

摘要

Ellis van Creveld syndrome (EVC) is an autosomal recessive disorder which has previously been mapped to human chromosome 4p16.1. This disorder is characterized by disproportionate dwarfism, polydactyly, cleft palate, natal teeth, and congenital heart disease. TheMSX1homeobox gene also maps to the 4p16.1 region. Msx gene transcripts in the mouse embryo are known to be involved in pattern formation of the developing limb bud and craniofacial bones. Thus, on the basis of both map location and known gene function,MSX1was an excellent candidate as the causative gene for EVC. Nonetheless, direct DNA sequencing of both exons of theMSX1gene in five affected individuals segregating with the EVC phenotype, as well as those of two obligate carriers, revealed no mutations in the coding region of the gene.