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Abstract

Recently, a new MECP2 isoform, which has an alternative N-terminus, transcribed from exon 1, was described. Since the incorporation of exon 1 into standard sequencing protocol for Rett syndrome, few patients with exon 1 mutations have been described and several groups have concluded that exon 1 mutations are a rare cause of Rett syndrome. The present invention provides an improved method of diagnosing Rett Syndrome by identifying two different mutations in exon 1 of the MECP2 gene, the first of which results in a switch from alanine to valine at the beginning of a polyalanine stretch, and the second of which results in a disruption of the ATG initiation codon of exon 1. Patients having either such mutation fit the clinical criteria for classic Rett syndrome, and further support previous reports that exon 1 mutations may be associated with a severe phenotype.

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First Claim