Identifying mutations for MYH-associated polyposis

Polyposis associated with mutations in the gene MYH is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by the development of colorectal adenomas and cancer. Two common mutations, p.Tyr165Cys (exon 7) and p.Glu382Asp (exon 13), have been shown to account for the majority of the mutations occurring in individuals of Caucasian ancestry. Other mutations have been found throughout the gene and many have been shown to have very low frequencies. Ethnic differences in the mutation spectrum have also been observed. Thus, in order to achieve the highest clinical sensitivity, it is necessary to perform whole-gene sequencing of the MYH gene. The sequencing protocol described allows one to identify mutations throughout the MYH gene.