DNA diagnosis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH1)
1Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Leeds, St. James's University Hospital, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Mutations in the amelogenin gene, AMGX, are known to cause X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH1). We have used DNA single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing to diagnose this disorder unequivocally in two related boys aged 3 and 7 years, respectively, from a family in which an existing mutation in the amelogenin gene is segregating.
Related Concept Videos
Pedigree Analysis
Overview
Sex-linked Disorders
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
X-Inactivation
The human X chromosome contains over ten times the number of genes as in the Y chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, and females have two, one might expect females to produce twice as many of the proteins, with undesirable results.


