LINKAGE ANALYSIS IN THE FRAGILE-X SYNDROME USING MULTIPLE DISTAL XQ POLYMORPHIC DNA MARKERS

Linkage data using the polymorphic loci F9, DXS105, DXS98, DXS52, DXS15, and F8 and the DNA probe 1A1 are presented from 14 families segregating for fragile X [fra(X)] syndrome. Recombination fractions corresponding to the maximum LOD scores obtained by two-point linkage analysis suggest that DXS98 (Zmax = 3.23, theta = 0.0) and DXS105 (Zmax = 2.09, theta = 0.0) are the closest markers proximal to FRAXA and that DXS52 is the closest distal marker (Zmax = 3.55, theta = 0.16). FRAXA is located within a 25 cM interval between F9 and DXS52, coincident with DXS98, on multipoint linkage analysis. Phase-known three way crossover information places F8 outside the cluster (DXS52, DXS15, 1A1). Confidence limits for the markers DXS98 and DXS52 are relatively wide (0.0-0.15 and 0.06-0.31, respectively), but when used in combination with cytogenetic examination offer improved carrier detection in comparison with cytogenetic analysis alone.