Oligodontia is caused by mutation in LTBP3, the gene encoding latent TGF-beta binding protein 3.

We have identified a consanguineous Pakistani family where oligodontia is inherited along with short stature in an autosomal-recessive fashion. Increased bone density was present in the spine and at the base of the skull. Using high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism microarrays for homozygosity mapping, we identified a 28 Mb homozygous stretch shared between affected individuals on chromosome 11q13. Screening selected candidate genes within this region, we identified a homozygous nonsense mutation, Y774X, within LTBP3, the gene for the latent TGF-beta binding protein 3, an extracellular matrix protein believed to be required for osteoclast function.