X-linked myotubular myopathy : refinement of the gene to a 280-kb region with new and highly informative microsatellite markers

We have recently refined the localization of the myotubular myopathy (MTM1) gene to a 430-kb region between DXS304 and DXS1345 in proximal Xq28. We report two new polymorphic microsatellite markers, DXS8377 and DXS7423, that were physically mapped within the critical interval. A recombination event in a family segregating for MTM1 placed the disease gene telomeric to the trinucleotide polymorphism DXS8377. Together with the recent mapping of two microdeletions associated with MTM1, the recombination refines the critical region to 280 kb. A second recombination event was observed distal to the tetranucleotide repeat DXS7423. This recombination has occurred in the off-spring of a female with a more than 67% probability of being a carrier and very likely restricts the MTM1 gene to a 130-kb region. This physical refinement is significant for positional cloning of the disease gene. The highly polymorphic markers and the precise localization of the MTM1 gene will facilitate genetic diagnosis of the disorder.