Molecular analysis of congenital scoliosis: a candidate gene approach

Hum Genet. 2005 Apr;116(5):416-9. doi: 10.1007/s00439-005-1253-8. Epub 2005 Feb 17.

Abstract

The etiology of congenital scoliosis is largely unknown. The severe vertebral disorder, spondylocostal dysostosis type 1, is associated with a homozygous delta-like 3 (DLL3) mutation. Scoliosis has been observed in a heterozygous DLL3 carrier, raising the possibility of its involvement in congenital scoliosis. We present the first molecular study of congenital scoliosis by analysis of the candidate gene DLL3 and demonstrate one novel missense variant. However, no novel or previously described mutations are present in our cohort, indicating that DLL3 mutations may not be a major cause of congenital scoliosis. Additionally, we have evaluated patients with congenital scoliosis not diagnosed with a known syndrome and identified a significant number of associated renal and cardiac anomalies and familial incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in this group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / genetics
  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Scoliosis / genetics*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • DLL3 protein, human
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins