Evidence for modifier genes that enhance the effect of the Pax-3 mutation, splotch-delayed (Sp{sup d}), on facial morphology: A model for studying the causes of variation of Waardenburg syndrome
- Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States); and others
Waardenburg syndrome type I (WS1) is caused by autosomal dominant mutations of the gene coding for the PAX3 transcription factor. These mutations have variable penetrance and expressivity within and between families where they cause hypopigmentation, deafness and facially dysmorphic features. It has been suspected that changes of penetrance and expressivity in WS1 mutations are caused by familial variation in other loci which interact with or modify the expression of the PAX3 locus. Splotch mutations (Sp, Sp{sup d}, etc.) are the mouse homologs of WS1 mutations. Mutations in Pax-3 were first used to predict the map position and function of WS1 mutations. We now present morphometric evidence for alleles of modifier genes, originating from Mus spretus and segregating in an F{sub 1} backcross with Mus musculus, that modify the effects of Sp{sup d} on the structure of mouse facial bones. Variation caused by these mouse genes are precisely homologous to the familial variation we see in dystopia canthorum, the principal diagnostic feature of Waardenburg syndrome type I. The mouse modifier genes of Pax-3 identified by this analysis are now being mapped as a first step towards positional cloning human PAX3 modifier genes.
- OSTI ID:
- 133407
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941009--
- Journal Information:
- American Journal of Human Genetics, Journal Name: American Journal of Human Genetics Journal Issue: Suppl.3 Vol. 55; ISSN AJHGAG; ISSN 0002-9297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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