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BACKGROUND: The C749G (Pro250Arg) mutation in the gene for fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) has been found in patients with various types of craniosynostosis. We aimed to find out the proportion of cases of apparently non-syndromic coronal craniosynostosis attributable to this mutation. METHODS: We studied 26 patients with coronal craniosynostosis but no syndromic diagnosis, who were referred to a supra-regional specialist centre. Genomic DNA was analysed by PCR and restriction-enzyme digestion to identify the C749G mutation in FGFR3. Family members of patients found to have the mutation were also tested. FINDINGS: Eight (31%) of the 26 probands were heterozygous for the C749G mutation. In two cases, the mutation showed autosomal dominant transmission with evidence of variable expressivity; the remaining six cases were sporadic. We demonstrated in six families that the mutation had arisen de novo from clinically unaffected parents. INTERPRETATION: The C749G mutation in FGFR3 is a frequent cause of apparently non-syndromic coronal craniosynostosis. Our finding will aid genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis. The mutation rate at this nucleotide is one of the highest described in the human genome.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Lancet

Publication Date

12/04/1997

Volume

349

Pages

1059 - 1062

Keywords

Child, Preschool, Cohort Studies, Craniosynostoses, Female, Heterozygote, Humans, Infant, Male, Pedigree, Point Mutation, Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3, Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor