MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS FOR GALACTOSEMIA

摘要

A process for detecting mutations in the gene responsible for galactosemia, galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), is described. In one embodiment, the process can be used to detect over 85% of the mutations known to cause galactosemia in the United States population by using six different oligonucleotide probes, which span single-nucleotide Missense or nonsense mutations in the GALT gene. Hybridization conditions which can distinguish a single nucleotide mismatch are used to detect both the presence and zygosity of mutations in the GALT gene to aid in genetic counseling. A kit for use in detecting mutations in the GALT gene is also disclosed.