Evidence of a linkage between matrilin-1 gene (MATN1) and idiopathic scoliosis

In a previous study, a number of genes, associated with spine musculoskeletal deformity phenotypes in mouse and in synteny between mouse and man, were identified as candidate genes for IS. Among these genes, MATN1, which carries a polymorphic microsatellite marker within its sequence, was selected for a linkage analysis. MATN1 is localised at 1p35 and is mainly expressed in cartilage. The objective of this study was to assess a linkage disequilibrium between the matrilin-1 (MATN1) gene and the idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The genetic study was conducted on a population of 81 trios, each consistent of a daughter/son affected by idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and both parents. In all trios components, the region of MATN1 gene containing the microsatellite marker was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction. The amplicons were analysed by a DNA sequencer-genotyper. The statistical linkage analysis was performed using the extended transmission/disequilibrium test. Three microsatellite polymorphisms, respectively consisting of 103 bp, 101 bp and 99 bp, were identified. ETDT evidenced a significant preferential transmission for the 103 bp allele (Chi-square = 5.058, df = 1, P = 0.024) The results suggest that the familial idiopathic scoliosis is associated to the MATN1 gene.