The Genetic Basis of Mendelian Phenotypes: Discoveries, Challenges, and Opportunities

Discovering the genetic basis of a Mendelian phenotype establishes a causal link between genotype and phenotype, making possible carrier and population screening and direct diagnosis. Such discoveries also contribute to our knowledge of gene function, gene regulation, development, and biological mechanisms that can be used for developing new therapeutics. As of February 2015, 2,937 genes underlying 4,163 Mendelian phenotypes have been discovered, but the genes underlying ∼50% (i.e., 3,152) of all known Mendelian phenotypes are still unknown, and many more Mendelian conditions have yet to be recognized.

Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - July 9, 2015 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Jessica X. Chong, Kati J. Buckingham, Shalini N. Jhangiani, Corinne Boehm, Nara Sobreira, Joshua D. Smith, Tanya M. Harrell, Margaret J. McMillin, Wojciech Wiszniewski, Tomasz Gambin, Zeynep H. Coban Akdemir, Kimberly Doheny, Alan F. Scott, Dimit Tags: Review Source Type: research