Identification of a two base pair deletion in five unrelated families with adrenoleukodystrophy: a possible hot spot for mutations.

The gene for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) was recently identified. Intragenic deletions of several kilobases were found in about 7% of patients. Point mutations, expected to be very heterogeneous, were identified so far in only two patients. We report the identification of a two base pair deletion at position 1801-1802 of the ALD cDNA, located within the fifth exon of the ALD gene, which precedes the two consensus motives for ATP-binding. This microdeletion was found in five out of 40 unrelated ALD kindreds, indicating that this position is a hot spot for mutations. The mutation was observed both in patients with childhood cerebral ALD (CCALD) and in patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN).