Mapping of the X-Breakpoint Involved in a Balanced X;12 Translocation in a Female with Mild Mental Retardation

Balanced chromosomal abnormalities such as translocations and inversions have been identified in many genetic diseases. Cloning of the breakpoints involved in these abnormalities has led to the identification of the disease- related genes. Recent reports suggest the presence of a mental retardation locus at Xql 1-12. We have identified a female patient with a balanced translocation t (X;12) (ql 1 ;ql5) associated with mild mental retardation. We identified a yeast artificial chromosome spanning the X-chromosome breakpoint by using fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques. A cosmid library of this YAC has been constructed and the search for candidate genes is in progress.