Apoptotic gene analysis in idiopathic talipes equinovarus (clubfoot)

Idiopathic talipes equinovarus, also known as clubfoot, is a common birth defect occurring in one of 1000 live births. It is a complex disorder in which multiple genes and environmental factors may play an etiologic role. Several chromosomal deletion regions, including 2q31-33, are associated with talipes equinovarus and may harbor genes that contribute to the idiopathic talipes equinovarus phenotype. Previously, two STRs in the 2q31-33, GATA149B10 and D2S1371, showed linkage with association to idiopathic talipes equinovarus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three apoptotic genes (Casp8, Casp10, and CFLAR) near GATA149B10 were genotyped in idiopathic talipes equinovarus families. rs3731714 in Casp10 showed linkage with association, suggesting variation in the apoptotic gene pathway, which is important in limb morphogenesis, and may play a role in the development of idiopathic talipes equinovarus. We genotyped SNPs spanning seven apoptotic genes-Casp3, Casp8, Casp9, Casp10, Bid, Bcl-2 and Apaf1-in 210 simplex trios and 139 multiplex families and tested for link-age and association to idiopathic talipes equinovarus. One SNP in each of the genes provided suggestive evidence of association with idiopathic talipes equinovarus. Several haplotypes constructed from these SNPs displayed altered transmission. These data suggest genetic variation in apoptotic genes may play a role in development of idiopathic talipes equinovarus.