国人conneXin 2 6基因突变与先天性感音神经性耳聋的相关性研究

目的探讨国人耳聋人群中connexm26基因的突变频率和位点.方法收集15例有遗传性耳聋家族史的病例和252例散发性先天性耳聋病例血液样本,使用PCR-SSCP方法分析connexin26基因编码区突变.同时采用PSDM和BsBsiYI酶切的方法,直接检测异常connexin26基因35delG的突变.结果检出突变样本46例,其中散发耳聋患者中38例,突变率为15.1%;有家族史的聋儿15例中8例,突变率为53.3%.46例中5份有相似的异常电泳带,PCR产物直接测序,其形式为79位G→A的突变;另外在散发耳聋患者中还发现2例251delT和233delC,PDSM分析未发现有35delG的突变.结论国人先天性耳聋患者中存在着connexin26基因的高突变率,但突变热点与国外报道的不同,推测connexin26基因突变有明显的种族特异性.     

Clinical course of hearing and language development in GJB2 and non-GJB2 deafness following habilitation with hearing aids

Mutations in the GJB2 gene (connexin 26) are the most common cause of nonsyndromic autosomal recessive sensorineural hearing loss. Genetic testing of GJB2 may offer opportunities to predict the features of hearing loss and prognostication of speech-language development in children with hearing loss. The present study assessed the clinical features of hearing and some aspects of language development in congenital deafness due either to GJB2 mutations or to other factors in Japanese patients who had been habilitated with hearing aids. Thirty-five unrelated subjects with nonsyndromic, congenital, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were enrolled in the study. Among them, 16 had biallelic GJB2 mutations related to hearing loss and 17 lacked such mutations. As has been reported in populations of European ancestry, the present Japanese subjects with GJB2 mutations had a relatively high incidence of the flat pattern audiogram and nonprogressive pure tone thresholds compared with subjects without GJB2 mutations. Subjects with GJB2 mutations and those without GJB2 mutations both showed a similar tendency in speech perception, some aspects of language development, and communication methods. In both groups, development of reading ability tended to be normal, but vocabulary development tended to be delayed. The present results establish the basis for future studies to aid in the evaluation and follow-up of patients with congenital hearing loss associated with GJB2 mutations who are habilitated with hearing aids.     

A novel connexin 26 mutation associated with autosomal recessive sensorineural deafness

Mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) gene (GJB2) are a common cause of hereditary hearing impairment which affects approximately 1 in 2000 newborn children. We report the identification of a novel Cx26 point mutation (439 G-->A) linked to familial, autosomal recessive, sensorineural hearing loss. This missense mutation (E147K) is located in the highly conserved, putative K(+) channel lining sequence of the third transmembrane domain (TM3) of Cx26. Hearing impairment associated with this mutation was congenital, moderate to profound and showed no signs of progressive deterioration.     

Etiological diagnosis of bilateral, sensorineural hearing impairment in a pediatric Greek population

Early diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of childhood deafness are essential for a child's normal growth. Etiological diagnosis of hearing loss makes prevention, family scheduling and more effective therapy feasible goals. Etiological assessment of sensorineural deafness still remains difficult although recently with the progress of genetics it has become more efficient. In this retrospective study, the etiology of bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss with indication for hearing aids has been studied in 153 hearing impaired children. Etiological diagnosis was based on family and patient record, physical, audiological and laboratory examinations. Among the 94 children who completed the diagnostic protocol etiological groups revealed the following distribution: non-hereditary acquired hearing impairment was present in 36 children (38%) and hereditary was present in 44 (47%) children. The etiology remained unknown in 14 (15%) children. Non-syndromic autosomal dominant type accounted for 13 (29% of hereditary hearing loss) children, non-syndromic autosomal recessive type for 21 (48%) children and syndromic deafness for 10 (23%) children. Modern diagnostic methods, such as genetic testing, help diminish the number of cases with hearing impairment of unknown etiology, for the benefit of children who receive early and appropriate medical, audiologic, genetic and educational counseling based on the etiology of their hearing loss.     

Sensorineural hearing loss in Jewish children born in Jerusalem

OBJECTIVE: Many factors, hereditary and environmental, may cause deafness. The aim of the present study was to analyze data on the etiology of bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment in children born in the Jerusalem area during 1978-1991, and to compare the results to those of a previous survey (1968-1977) in the same area. METHODS: The study included 150 Jewish children (139 families) with hearing loss, born during 1978-1991. Information was obtained on prenatal, perinatal and postnatal events, history of hearing loss in the family, the parents' communities and consanguinity. Children with a sensorineural hearing impairment of 56 dB HL or greater in the better ear, within the frequency range of 0.5-4 kHz were included in the study. The hearing loss was classified as moderate-severe (56-70 dB HL), severe (71-90 dB HL) and profound (91 dB HL or more) in the better ear. Mutations in the coding sequence of the connexin 26 (C x 26) and the connexin 30 genes were examined in some of the families. RESULTS: The hearing impairment was hereditary in 66 (44%) of the children, environmental in 31 (21%) and four children (3%) had multiple malformations. The cause was unknown in 49 (33%) children. Sixty-two families were of European origin (Ashkenazim) and 62 of Afro-Asian origin (Sephardim). Consanguinity was in 7% of the families. Mutations in connexin 26 and the deletion in connexin 30 were diagnosed in 9/18 families tested. The incidence of hearing loss decreased from 1.28 per thousand during 1968-1977 to 1.06 per thousand during 1978-1991. The rate of environmental causes decreased over the years together with an increase in the rate of unknown causes. The rate of hearing loss among Sephardim decreased significantly and increased among Ashkenazim. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of hearing impairment in Israel is as that found in other countries, as was the distribution of the causes of deafness. The decrease in the rates of hearing impairment among the Sephardim may be due to a continuing decrease in consanguineous marriages among Sephardim. It is expected that the group of unknown causes will become smaller in future with the availability of more molecular genetic tests.     

非综合征性耳聋患者连接蛋白26基因突变的研究

目的　探讨中国人非综合征性耳聋患者连接蛋白 2 6 (connexin 2 6 ,Cx2 6 )基因突变频率和特性。方法　收集中国散发先天性聋哑儿童 16例 ,常染色体隐性遗传性聋 39例 (39个家系 ) ,10岁前开始听力下降的常染色体显性遗传性聋 30例 (30个家系 )和健康对照组 10 0例。聚合酶链反应 单链构象多态 (singlestrandconformationalpolymorphismanalysisofpolymerasechainreaction ,PCR SSCP)分析初筛可疑突变者 ,SSCP分析发现异常构象带后再行DNA测序。结果　健康对照组中 15例发现 5种多态性改变 ,耳聋患者中 10例发现 6种多态性改变。散发先天性聋哑和常染色体隐性遗传非综合征性耳聋中未发现致病突变。 1个常染色体显性遗传性聋家系发现所有患者 (3例 )Cx2 6基因的编码区2 99 30 0位碱基AT杂合性缺失 ,导致移码突变 ,翻译的蛋白质截短 ,该家系听力正常者无此突变。结论　蒙古人种中常染色体隐性遗传性非综合征性耳聋的Cx2 6基因突变率可能低于其他人种。Cx2 6基因编码区 2 99 30 0位碱基AT杂合性缺失可致常染色体显性遗传性聋DFNA3型     

A novel TECTA mutation confirms the recognizable phenotype among autosomal recessive hearing impairment families

Mutations in the TECTA gene result in sensorineural non-syndromic hearing impairment. TECTA-related deafness can be inherited autosomal dominantly (designated as DFNA8/12) or autosomal recessively (as DFNB21). The alpha-tectorin protein, which is encoded by the TECTA gene, is one of the major components of the tectorial membrane in the inner ear. Six mutations in the TECTA gene have already been reported in families segregating autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment. In this study, seventy-five Iranian families segregating autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment were analyzed for homozygosity at the DFNB21 locus by genotyping two short tandem repeat markers closely linked to the TECTA gene. Allelic segregation consistent with possible linkage to the DFNB21 locus was found in 1/75 families studied. By sequencing all 23 coding exons of TECTA, a 16bp deletion (c.6203-6218del16) in exon 21, leading to a frameshift, segregating with the hearing loss was found. All 3 affected individuals of this family have moderate-to-severe hearing loss across all frequencies, which is more pronounced in the mid frequencies. This new mutation, as well as the six previously reported mutations in the TECTA gene, is inactivating. All of these mutations lead to an easily recognized audiometric profile of moderate to severe hearing impairment as presented by the family in this study too. The TECTA autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness phenotype differs from the typical profound deafness phenotype that is seen in most families segregating autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness. On the basis of the recognizable phenotype, we recommend mutation screening of TECTA in families with this hearing phenotype.     

Absence of GJB6 mutations in Indian patients with non-syndromic hearing loss

Objective

Hearing loss is the most frequent sensory defect in human being. Genetic factors account for at least half of all cases of profound congenital deafness. The 13q11-q12 region contains the GJB2 and GJB6 genes, which code connexin 26 (CX26) and connexin 30 (CX30) proteins, respectively. Mutations in the gene GJB2, encoding the gap junction protein connexin 26, are considered to be responsible for up to 50% of familial cases of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss and for up to 15-30% of the sporadic cases. It has also been reported that mutations in the GJB6 gene contribute to autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant hearing defects in many populations. The 342-kb deletion [del(GJB6-D13S1830)] of the Cx30 gene is the second most common connexin mutation after the CX26 mutations in some NSHL populations. The aim of this study was to screen GJB6 gene mutations in Asian Indian patients with autosomal non-syndromic hearing loss.

Methods

We screened 203 non-syndromic hearing loss patients, who were negative for homozygous mutations in GJB2 gene, for GJB6-D13S1830 deletion and mutations in coding regions of GJB6 using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing.

Results

No deleterious mutation in GJB6 gene was detected in our study cohort.

Conclusion

The present data demonstrated that mutations in the GJB6 gene are unlikely to be a major cause of non-syndromic deafness in Asian Indians.     

Connexin 26基因233delC突变与中国人先天性耳聋的研究

目的 :Connexin2 6基因突变是引起常染色体隐性遗传 DFNB1和常染色体显性遗传 DFNA3的遗传基础 ,其中的 35 del G的突变在欧美人 DFNB1耳聋患者中的检出率为 70～ 80 % ,但在中国耳聋人群中未检到该点突变。本文旨在筛选中国人耳聋相关的 Connexin2 6基因的突变热点。方法 :采用 PCR- RFL P筛选 2 19例不同耳聋类型的患者和 5 0例听力正常人的 Connexin 2 6基因 2 33del C的突变 (2 1.5 % )。结果 :2 19例耳聋患者中共发现了 47例 Connexin 2 6基因2 33del C的突变 (2 1.5 % )。在先天性耳聋患者中 2 33del C的突变率为 33% ,遗传性语前聋患者为 2 6 .7%。 5 0例药物性致聋的患者有 10例发生突变。遗传性及散发性进行性感音神经性耳聋和听力正常人未检测到 2 33delc突变。结论 :Connexin2 6基因 2 33del C突变在中国先天性耳聋人群中发生频率较高 ,与欧美人不同。我们的结果表明 ,Connexin2 6基因异常导致耳聋的突变热点具有种族特异性     

Connexin mutation testing of children with nonsyndromic, autosomal recessive sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of hearing loss is heterogeneous and falls into the two broad categories of genetic and environmental. In the genetic subgroup, 70% are non syndromic. Fifty percent of nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness is due to a mutation in the connexin 26 gene. This article presents the detection rate of connexin mutations in a multiethnic Canadian population. METHODS: A study of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss seen over a period of 2 years who had connexin 26 mutation testing. RESULTS: Nine of the 18 patients had connexin 26 mutations. CONCLUSION: The majority of our patients with connexin 26 mutations had moderate to profound hearing loss. Testing for connexin mutations should be standard care because it accounts for a large proportion of individuals with nonsyndromic hearing loss. Reasons for testing include ruling out a syndromic cause, predicting moderate to profound hearing loss, and the need for language intervention, cochlear implants, and genetic counselling.     

Identification of a novel mutation in the SLC26A4 gene in an Italian with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss

Pendred syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural deafness, goitre and defective iodide organification. Congenital and profound hearing loss is the hallmark of the syndrome, while goitre and thyroid dysfunction are highly variable even within the same family. Clinical features are due to altered formation of pendrin, a chloride/iodide transporter protein expressed in the inner ear, thyroid gland and kidney. A novel substitution was found in exon 7 of the pendrin encoding gene (SLC26A4) that leads to a stop codon, S314X. The new variation was found in compound heterozygosity with L445W mutation in a hearing impaired patient with bilateral Mondini's dysplasia and goitre.     

Molecular genetics applied to clinical practice: the Cx26 hearing impairment

Mutations in the Cx26/GJB2 gene account for a large proportion of pre-lingual hearing impairment with a prevalence up to 50% in autosomal recessive cases and a still undefined prevalence in sporadic cases. Ninety-four subjects affected by non-syndromal sensorineural hearing impairment (NSHI) were enrolled in the study. The patients had either a family history of childhood hearing deficit or represented sporadic cases. The risk of an acquired cause of the deficit has been carefully excluded. Audiological characteristics were investigated. Cx26 mutations were found in 50% of subjects. Seventy-three per cent of mutations in this gene were 35delG, with significant geographical variations. In 7% of the putative Cx26 alleles no mutations were detected either in the coding region or in the non-coding exon 1. Cx26 hearing impairment involves all frequencies, is of variable severity, and is very rarely progressive and most frequently symmetrical between the two ears. The high occurrence of this type of pre-lingual hearing impairment argues for modification of the protocols used to investigate the aetiology of childhood hearing impairment. Early screening for Cx26 mutations in all patients with non-syndromal familial and sporadic permanent childhood hearing impairment seems justified.     

Connexin26 mutations associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the GJB2 gene are a major cause of autosomal recessive and sporadic types of congenital deafness. The 35delG mutation is the most frequent type of mutation in white populations. However, several other forms were reported, such as 167delT among Ashkenazi Jews and R143W in Africans. The present study investigated the mutations of connexin26 (Cx26) found in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) and newborns in the Korean population. STUDY DESIGN: The sequencing data for 147 unrelated patients with congenital NSHL and 100 audiologically screened newborns were included in this prospective study. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples from all patients and newborns were sequenced in both directions for detection of Cx26 mutations. RESULTS: Thirteen different types of mutations were found in the patients and newborns. V27I and E114G are the popular types of polymorphic mutations in both groups. 235delC-deletion and frameshift--was detected in patients (15 in 294 alleles) and newborns (1 in 200 alleles). 35delG was rarely found in both group. In addition to above mutations, several types of mutations--S85P, K41R, S72C, V84A, 176-191del, and 299-300del-were identified. The family study of the 235delC showed a typical autosomal recessive trait of NSHL in their audiological evaluation of hearing threshold. CONCLUSION: The frequency of 235delC allele showed much higher in the patients (5%) than in newborns (0.5%). We rarely found 35delC mutant in both groups. These results suggest that the different types of Cx26 mutations affect autosomal recessive NSHL according to ethnic background.     

先天性非综合征型耳聋相关基因检测及热点突变分析

目的应用耳聋基因芯片对先天性非综合征型感音神经性聋患儿及有明确遗传史病例的家族成员进行常见耳聋相关基因检测,分析不同的可能已知相关因素引起的先天性聋患儿基因突变的热点位点,探讨突变基因位点与耳聋病因的相关性,并对热点突变基因的家系遗传规律进行初步分析。方法先天性非综合征型感音神经性聋儿童109例,通过CT检查及问卷调查寻找其可能的发病原因。对所有病例均采集血液样本,提取DNA,并以26例健康儿童作为对照组,应用耳聋基因芯片进行常见耳聋相关基因检测,分析突变位点及突变频率与耳聋病因的相关性。同时,对有明确遗传史的5个家族的相关成员进行相应检测,并绘制家系图,对热点突变基因可能的遗传方式进行初步探讨。结果 109例耳聋儿童的外周血样本中,GJB2和SLC26A4基因突变均有较高的检出率,所有病例均未检测到GJB3基因突变。线粒体均质突变检出3例,均有明确的氨基甙类抗生素用药史;实验组基因突变检出率明显高于对照组(P<0.001),有明确遗传病史组突变检出率明显高于无遗传病史组(P<0.001),有前庭导水管扩大组突变检出率明显高于无前庭导水管扩大组(P<0.001);SLC26A4基因突变主要集中于SLC26A42168A>G和SLC26A4IVS7-2A>G位点,与有无遗传病史和有无前庭导水管扩大均有显著相关性(P<0.01),GJB2基因突变主要集中于GJB2235delC和GJB2299delAT位点,本组病例显示其突变率与有无遗传病史无显著相关性(P>0.05);对4个大前庭导水管综合征家系和1个遗传性耳聋家系的分析显示,5个家系的遗传方式均符合常染色体隐性遗传规律。结论先天性非综合征型耳聋患者耳聋相关基因突变率明显高于正常人群,GJB2、SLC26A4基因突变均有较高检出率。本组病例显示GJB2基因突变与家族遗传史无明显相关性,而SLC26A4基因主要在大前庭导水管综合征患者中被检出,并表现出明显的家族遗传性,其遗传方式符合常染色体隐性遗传规律;线粒体均质突变多集中于12SrRNA1555A>G位点,主要在药物中毒性耳聋患儿中被检出。     

GJB2 mutations in the Swiss hearing impaired

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the GJB2 gene encoding connexin 26 (Cx26) protein are a major cause for nonsyndromic autosomal recessive and sporadic deafness. However, its contribution to hearing impairment in Switzerland remains undefined. To determine the frequency and type of GJB2 mutations in the Swiss hearing-impaired population diagnosed under the age of 2 yr and at 2 yr and older and to assess the effectiveness of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) in screening for mutation in GJB2. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with hearing impairment underwent mutation screening of the single coding exon of GJB2 with DHPLC followed by bidirectional sequencing to identify sequence alterations. RESULTS: GJB2 mutations were more common in children diagnosed with hearing impairment under the age of 2 yr compared to the group 2 yr and older. In patients under age 2 yr, 9 of 20 (45%) harbored 13 GJB2 mutations including a common 313del14nt mutation; four of these patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous for GJB2 mutations. In contrast, 2 of 14 patients in the 2 yr and older group (14%) had a single mutation in GJB2. The 35delG mutation was exclusively found in 5 patients under the age of 2 yr. DHPLC for mutation screening was 100% sensitive and 83% specific for detecting sequence alterations in GJB2. CONCLUSIONS: In Switzerland, GJB2 mutations are a major cause of nonsyndromic hearing impairment in children under the age of 2. Similar to other populations, GJB2 mutations are uncommon in the affected Swiss patients identified after 2 yr. Although 35delG mutation is common in the hearing-impaired children under the age of 2, it was absent in patients diagnosed with hearing impairment after the age of 2. DHPLC is a highly sensitive tool for detection of GJB2 mutations.     

Cochlear nerve size evaluation in children with sensorineural hearing loss by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE: To determine differences in size of cochlear nerves among subjects with deafness due to connexin 26 (Cx26) mutations, subjects with deafness of unknown origin, and normal hearing subjects by sagittal high-resolution magnetic resonance (HRMR) imaging of the temporal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and surface areas and volumetric measurements of the cochlear nerve and modiolus were made on HRMR images of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and inner ear in the 3 groups of children (groups 1, 2, and 3). Three-way comparisons of in vivo cochlear nerve measurements on HRMR imaging were made among 17 children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and no obvious etiology for the hearing loss (group 1), 7 children with profound SNHL due to a Cx26 mutation (group 2), and 10 normal hearing children (group 3). RESULTS: Children with profound SNHL of unknown cause and children with profound SNHL due to a connexin mutation displayed hypoplastic cochlear nerves as compared with normal controls. HRMR imaging of the temporal bone was accurately delineated potential problems with cochlear nerves in 2 of 17 instances where high-resolution computed tomography did not do so. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate and specific measurements of the cochlear nerve and related structures is possible on HRMR imaging of the temporal bone. The size of the cochlear nerve is mildly hypoplastic in children with profound SNHL of unknown causes or children with a deafness-causing Cx26 mutation. HRMR imaging is superior to high-resolution computed tomography in the investigation of profound SNHL in children.     

Mutations in the connexin 26 gene in patients with nonsyndromic hearing impairment]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of deafness-causing mutations in Connexin 26(Cx26, GJB2) gene in Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing impairment(NSHI). METHODS: Study subjects are all Chinese including 16 infants with sporadic congenital deaf-mutism, 39 patients with autosomal recessive hereditary hearing loss, 30 patients with autosomal dominant hereditary hearing loss and 100 normal adults. The subjects were screened for base variations by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the amplified products of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Those who were found have abnormal conformational band were sequenced. RESULTS: Five kinds of polymorphism were found in 15 cases of controls and six kinds of polymorphism in 10 patients. No mutation was found in Cx26 gene in Chinese with autosomal recessive NSHI. Heterozygous deletion AT at position 299-300 of Cx26 cDNA, which results in premature chain termination, was found in a pedigree with autosomal dominant hereditary nonsyndromic hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of deafness-causing mutations in Cx26 gene in Chinese with autosomal recessive NSHI maybe is lower than that of other ethnic groups. Heterozygous deletion AT at position 299-300 of Cx26 cDNA can lead to autosomal dominant hereditary hearing loss (DFNA3).     

Study on mutations in the connexin 26 gene among Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss]

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese and mutations in connexin 26 (Cx 26) gene and to explore the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight individuals from thirty-five pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss, 99 children with sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss and 100 normal adults as control were collected in present studies. The Cx 26 coding sequence was screened by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and analyzed by direct sequencing when SSCP shifts were observed. RESULTS: Five SSCP shifts in 2 pedigrees were observed. Homozygous deletion C at position 233-235 of Cx 26 cDNA, which resulted in frameshift mutation, was found in 2 pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The hot-spot mutations of Cx 26 gene in Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss may be different from other ethnic groups. The 233-235 delC homozygous mutation of Cx 26 cDNA can result in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese population.     

Connexin 26 and connexin 30 mutations in children with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) or gap junction beta 2 gene are the leading cause of hereditary nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Caucasians. The Cx26 coding region of 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss was sequenced to determine the frequency and type of Cx26 mutations in this population. Screening was also performed for a common connexin 30 (Cx30) or gap junction beta 6 mutation (del [GJB6-D13S1830]). Children also underwent audiological testing to determine whether any correlation exists between Cx26 mutations and severity of hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss were screened for Cx26 and Cx30 mutations by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. METHODS: Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers that flank the entire Cx26 coding region. Screening for the 342-kb Cx30 deletion was performed using primers that amplified the breakpoint junction of the deletion. The amplicons were then sequenced in both directions and analyzed for mutations. Audiometric testing, including pure-tone audiometry and auditory evoked brainstem response, was also performed to determine the degree of hearing loss. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 68 children tested had mutations in Cx26 with 35delG being the most prevalent. Ten additional Cx26 mutations were detected including a novel compound heterozygote. Two children were heterozygous for the Cx30 del (GJB6-D13S1830) mutation. CONCLUSION: Cx26 and Cx30 mutations were present in 41.2% of children tested in the study population. Audiometric data supported previous studies demonstrating a greater degree of hearing loss in subjects who are homozygous for the 35delG mutation.