Allelic frequencies of FBN1 gene polymorphisms and genetic analysis of Italian families with Marfan syndrome

The fibrillin gene (FBN1) is the disease locus for Marfan syndrome. This di sorder shows a high degree of clinical and allelic heterogeneity. Direct mu tation screening has proven difficult and inefficient and at present cannot be utilized for routine analysis. In familial cases linkage analysis repre sents a useful tool for molecular diagnosis. We have determined the allelic frequencies of 5 polymorphic markers within the FBN1 locus in the Italian population and have successfully employed them for prenatal diagnosis and r esolution of clinically equivocal cases. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, B asel.