Characterization of a new polymorphism, IVS-I-108 (T -> C), and a new beta-thalassemia mutation,-27 (A -> T), discovered in the course of a prenatal diagnosis

We report two new substitutions, IVS-I-108 (T-->C) and -27 (A-->T), identif ied in a couple at risk for beta-thalassemia. One is of Iranian origin and presents with two mutations: a new substitution of T-->C at nucleotide IVS- I-108, which is a silent polymorphism, and a previously described beta-thal assemia mutation at nucleotide -28 (A-->C). The other is from the island of Corsica, the only place in France where beta-thalassemia is endemic. He pr esents a new substitution of A-->T at nucleotide -27 in the TATA box, which was also found in several members of his family with the beta-thalassemia trait. The fetus was found to have inherited both these novel mutations.