OBJECTIVEX-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDL) is a rare osteochondrodysplasia caused by mutations of SEDL gene, which usually onset in late childhood without systemic complications. In this study, we have provided prenatal diagnosis for an affected family with a combined strategy including direct sequencing, fetal-sex identification and microsatellite linkage analysis.

METHODSTwo amniotic fluid samples from carrier gravida and 7 blood samples from individuals in this SEDL pedigree were obtained. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples using standard phenol-chloroform method. SRY and AMEL genes were employed to assess fetal sex. Microsatellite DXS16 was genotyped for linkage analysis. A pathogenic mutation of the SEDL gene was identified by bi-directionally direct sequencing of the third exon as well as its exon/intron boundaries.

RESULTSTwo male fetuses were confirmed by fetal-sex assessment. The mutation of the SEDL gene was identified as a nucleotide substitution of the splice acceptor site in intron 2, IVS2-2A>C. DNA sequencing indicated that one fetus is hemizygote carrying the mutation, whilst another is not a carrier. Linkage analysis was identical with the sequencing results. Follow-up also confirmed the result of prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONFetal-sex assessment combined with microsatellite linkage analysis and bi-directionally direct sequencing is a more accurate and ready strategy for prenatal diagnosis of families affected with SEDL.