Molecular biology techniques in the diagnosis of monogenic diseases.
Monogenic diseases are defined by their patterns of inheritance: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked.  This article examines the molecular biology techniques available for their study and detection.  These techniques comprise direct detection of mutations (including trinucleotide repeats) and linkage analysis. The usefulness of these techniques is compared to conventional biochemical tests for the diagnosis of various inherited diseases. The authors stress the need for caution in the interpretation of test results and the importance of genetic counseling.
Dept. of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Clinic, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Wagener
J T
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Epplen
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Ehrlich
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H
Peretz
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Vihko
D005544:Forecasting; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans