Molecular analysis for genetic counselling in amelogenesis imperfecta

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To use molecular genetics to establish the mode of inheritance in a family with amelogenesis imperfecta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify exons of the amelogenin gene on the short arm of the X chromosome. RESULTS: A single base deletion mutation in exon 6 of the amelogenin gene was identified. This mutation was a single base deletion of a cytosine residue - 431 delC - in codon 96 of exon 6, introducing a stop codon 30 codons downstream of the mutation in codon 126 of the exon. CONCLUSION: The firm establishment of an X-linked mode of inheritance affects the genetic counselling for this family.