APPLICATION OF MEN-203 AS A POLYMORPHIC DNA PROBE IN SCREENING MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA-2A

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2a (MEN 2a) is known to be genetically li nked to a locus on chromosome 10. The application of polymorphic DNA p robes for the region has made it possible to identify carriers of the disease susceptible gene. We performed DNA analysis for a newly found non-Caucasian MEN 2a family using MEN 203 as a probe. Data from DNA an alysis of the family members were concordant with the results of conve ntional endocrinological tests. Furthermore, DNA analysis discriminate d four individuals out of fifteen as non-carriers of the gene with a h igh degree of certainty. The results relieved these people from taking screening tests for years. DNA analysis employing suitable markers su ch as MEN 203 appears to be useful for a screening program of MEN 2a i n Japanese as well as Caucasians.