Further evidence for the involvement of MYH9 in the etiology of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate

Eur J Oral Sci. 2009 Apr;117(2):200-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2008.00604.x.

Abstract

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is one of the most common birth defects and has a multifactorial etiology that includes both genetic and environmental components. MYH9, the gene coding for the heavy chain of non-muscle myosin II, has been considered as a good candidate gene in NSCL/P on the basis of its expression profile during craniofacial morphogenesis. Reports in an Italian sample, as well as in an ethnically mixed North American sample, of a positive association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the MYH9 gene and NSCL/P have provided further support for the role of MYH9 in the development of NSCL/P. In the present study, we aimed to replicate these findings by conducting a family-based association study with seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in MYH9 using a sample of 248 NSCL/P patients and their parents. Single marker analysis resulted in a highly significant association for rs7078. In haplotype analysis, the most significant result was obtained for the SNP combination (rs7078; rs2071731; rs739097; rs5995288). Our results thus confirm the potential involvement of MYH9 in the etiology of NSCL/P in our patients of Central European origin, although further studies are warranted to determine its exact pathogenetic role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cleft Lip / complications
  • Cleft Lip / genetics*
  • Cleft Palate / complications
  • Cleft Palate / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Male
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / genetics*
  • Myosin Heavy Chains / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • MYH9 protein, human
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Myosin Heavy Chains