Recombinant DNA technology provides a method for Identifying heritable DNA markers. These markers can be used to follow the inheritance (segregation) of a given segment of DNA through several generations of a particular family and assess the consistency of segregation with a disease gene. The use of such markers In family linkage studies has made it possible to locate the Huntington’s Disease gene and has led to extraordinary advances in early diagnosis and treatment of other inherited disorders. Genetic factors appear to be very important in the pathogenesis of a substantial pro portion of cases with Tourette Syndrome. We have identified a large family in which features of Tourette Syndrome are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This family is well suited for application of DNA linkage analysis. We will perform systematic clinical assessments to verify the accuracy of this pedigree and obtain blood samples for DNA extraction from each informative individual. The extracted DNA will be evaluated by our collaborator, Dr. Kenneth Kidd (Yale University), for linkage to a series of genetic markers. Identification of a genetic marker linked to Tourette Syndrome would have major impact on the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of this disorder. Roger Kurlan, M.D. Fellow In Clinical Neuropharmacology The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY Award: $15,000 Tourette Association of America Inc. – Research Grant Award 1984 Recombinant DNA technology provides a method for Identifying heritable DNA markers. These markers can be used to follow the inheritance (segregation) of a given segment of DNA through several generations of a particular family and assess the consistency of segregation with a disease gene. The use of such markers In family linkage studies has made it possible to locate the Huntington’s Disease gene and has led to extraordinary advances in early diagnosis and treatment of other inherited disorders. Genetic factors appear to be very important in the pathogenesis of a substantial pro portion of cases with Tourette Syndrome. We have identified a large family in which features of Tourette Syndrome are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This family is well suited for application of DNA linkage analysis. We will perform systematic clinical assessments to verify the accuracy of this pedigree and obtain blood samples for DNA extraction from each informative individual. The extracted DNA will be evaluated by our collaborator, Dr. Kenneth Kidd (Yale University), for linkage to a series of genetic markers. Identification of a genetic marker linked to Tourette Syndrome would have major impact on the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of this disorder. Roger Kurlan, M.D. Fellow In Clinical Neuropharmacology The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY Award: $15,000 Tourette Association of America Inc. – Research Grant Award 1984