Genetic linkage evaluation of twenty-four loci in an eastern Canadian family segregating Darier's disease (keratosis follicularis).

BACKGROUND

Darier's disease (keratosis follicularis) is known to have a genetic cause as evidenced by its autosomal dominant transmission in families. The gene causing this disease has not been discovered.

OBJECTIVE

During an ongoing linkage study of schizophrenia, a family segregating Darier's disease was found. This family is being studied in an attempt to locate prospective regions that may contain the Darier's disease gene.

METHODS

Two genetic strategies are being employed: (1) testing candidate genes for the disorder and (2) scanning the entire genome with polymerase chain reaction-based microsatellite markers.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine marker systems located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 22, X, and Y have been genotyped. Slightly positive lod scores were achieved between six markers and Darier's disease. The remaining 33 markers were nonsegregating or indeterminate, or revealed an obligate recombinant.

CONCLUSION

Linkage analysis can lead to localization of the gene causing Darier's disease. In these preliminary studies low positive lod scores were obtained, potentially pointing to the chromosomal location of the Darier's disease gene.