Recently, several genes associated with early-onset, autosomal dominant Type 2 diabetes (MODY) have been identified. Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha gene seem to account for a substantial proportion of this type of diabetes in several populations. However, it is still of interest to estimate the frequency of HNF-1alpha mutations in various ethnic groups. The aim of our study was to determine the contribution of the HNF-1alpha gene to the development of MODY in a Polish population. We selected 15 families with MODY for this project. The 10 exons and promoter region of the gene were screened for sequence differences by direct sequencing of probands DNA. We detected 7 previously described polymorphisms that were not associated with diabetes. However, one sequence difference, a deletion of a cytosine in codon 225 in exon 3 (designated S225fdelC), was a new mutation resulting in a frame shift and synthesis of a nonsense peptide from amino acid 225 to 232 followed by the stop codon. Thus, the S225fdelC mutation effectively caused the loss of a part of the DNA binding domain and the entire transactivation domain. This mutation was present in 4 affected members of the family. They developed diabetes at an early age (mean age at diagnosis 23 yr) and were characterized by severely impaired insulin secretion. In addition, one family member who was not a carrier of the S225fdelC mutation was diagnosed with diabetes. Thus, he represents an example of phenocopy. In conclusion, we have identified a new HNF-1alpha variant that represents the first MODY mutation described in a Polish population. MODY3 mutations, including those in the exon 4 "hot spot", do not appear to be a very common cause of MODY in the Polish population.