Mutations in the PDS Gene in German Families with Pendred’s Syndrome: V138F Is a Founder Mutation

Pendred's syndrome, an autosomal-recessive condition characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and goiter, is caused by mutations in the PDS gene. Located on chromosome 7q22-q31, it encodes a chloride-iodide transporter expressed in the thyroid, inner ear, and kidney. We investigated the PDS gene of six affected individuals from four unrelated families with Pendred's syndrome by direct sequencing. PDS mutations were identified in homozygous or compound heterozygous state in all six cases. A homozygous missense mutation leading to the amino acid substitution S133T was detected in a family of Turkish origin. The mutations found in the other affected individuals, who originate fro…