Gene localization was determined by linkage analysis in 5 families with non-specific X-linked mental retardation (MRX) and were MRX1, Xp11.4-q21.31; MRX10, Xp21.3-p11.4; MRX11, Xp21.3-p11.22; MRX12, Xp21.3-q21.1; and MRX13, Xp22.3-q21.22.
Although genotype-phenotype correlations in male patients with various types of nullisomy for Xp22.3 have assigned a locus for X-linked mental retardation (MRX) to an approximately 3-Mb region between DXS31 and STS, the precise location has not been determined.
On the other hand, given the considerable genetic heterogeneity in MRX, one should be extremely cautious in using interfamilial linkage data to narrow down the localisation of MRX genes.
Affected individuals in a multiplex pedigree with MRX (MRX30), previously mapped to Xq22, show a point mutation in the PAK3 (p21-activated kinase) gene, which encodes a serine-threonine kinase.
On the other hand, given the considerable genetic heterogeneity in MRX, one should be extremely cautious in using interfamilial linkage data to narrow down the localisation of MRX genes.
DNA investigation established an interstitial deletion in Xp22.3 involving the Kallmann (KAL) gene, the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene and a putative mental retardation locus (MRX).
DNA investigation established an interstitial deletion in Xp22.3 involving the Kallmann (KAL) gene, the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene and a putative mental retardation locus (MRX).
DNA investigation established an interstitial deletion in Xp22.3 involving the Kallmann (KAL) gene, the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene and a putative mental retardation locus (MRX).
Although an extension of the linkage analysis for MRX35 showed only a minimal overlap with MRX46, it cannot be excluded that the same gene is involved in several of these MRX disorders.
RSK4 is completely deleted in eight patients with the contiguous gene syndrome including MRX, partially deleted in a patient with DFN3 and present in patients with an Xq21 deletion and normal intellectual abilities.
RSK4 is completely deleted in eight patients with the contiguous gene syndrome including MRX, partially deleted in a patient with DFN3 and present in patients with an Xq21 deletion and normal intellectual abilities.
So far, seven X-chromosomal genes mutated in nonspecific mental retardation (MRX) have been identified: FMR2, GDI1, RPS6KA3, IL1RAPL, TM4SF2, OPHN1 and PAK3 (refs 2-9).
So far, seven X-chromosomal genes mutated in nonspecific mental retardation (MRX) have been identified: FMR2, GDI1, RPS6KA3, IL1RAPL, TM4SF2, OPHN1 and PAK3 (refs 2-9).
This finding is in agreement with the hypothesis that the incidence of intermediate FMR1 alleles in MRX populations does not seem to be higher than in control populations, and it emphasizes the importance of FMRP detection as a diagnostic tool for fragile X syndrome.