Two new large deletions in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene not revealed by PCR-based molecular diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia

We recently identified two new large deletions in FH patients of French Canadian descent. Carriers of the new deletions were identified because of an unusual pattern of band migration on Southern blots. We have identified and sequenced the deletions' boundaries. The first deletion covers 3813 bp and removes exons 7 and 8. The second deletion covers 5994 bp and removes exons 3-6. These deletions have not been previously reported. They would have been missed if a PCR-based method had been used instead of Southern blot analysis.