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Unique disease heritage of the Dutch‐German Mennonite population
Author(s) -
Orton Noelle C.,
Innes A. Micheil,
Chudley Albert E.,
BechHansen N. Torben
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.064
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1552-4833
pISSN - 1552-4825
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.a.32061
Subject(s) - german , endogamy , population , genealogy , identification (biology) , founder effect , disease , genetics , relevance (law) , biology , history , sociology , gene , political science , demography , genotype , medicine , law , haplotype , ecology , archaeology , pathology
The Dutch‐German Mennonites are a religious isolate with foundational roots in the 16th century. A tradition of endogamy, large families, detailed genealogical records, and a unique disease history all contribute to making this a valuable population for genetic studies. Such studies in the Dutch‐German Mennonite population have already contributed to the identification of the causative genes in several conditions such as the incomplete form of X‐linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB2; previously iCSNB) and hypophosphatasia (HOPS), as well as the discovery of founder mutations within established disease genes ( MYBPC1 , CYP17α ). The Dutch‐German Mennonite population provides a strong resource for gene discovery and could lead to the identification of additional disease genes with relevance to the general population. In addition, further research developments should enhance delivery of clinical genetic services to this unique community. In the current review we discuss 31 genetic conditions, including 17 with identified gene mutations, within the Dutch‐German Mennonite population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.