ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify potential mutations of ED1 gene in six pedigrees with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), and to provide genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight coding exons of ED1 gene of patients with clinically diagnosed HED and their relatives were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products were further analyzed by direct sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Various mutations of ED1 gene were detected, which included R153C, A349T, G299S, A349T and X392Q. Heterozygous double peaks at the same position were found in female carriers. Deletion of exon 9 was detected in one pedigree. R153C, X392Q and deletion of exon 9 were first identified in ethnic Han Chinese.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The identified mutations of ED1 gene may be responsible for the disease. Genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis and carrier screening are now available for these families.</p>