Purpose: The aim of the present study was to examine the genetic background of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Finnish population by analyzing previously reported candidate loci GLC1B on 2cen-q13, GLCIC on 3q21-q24, GLC1D on 8q23, GLC1F on 7q35-q36, as well as other candidate regions on chromosomes 2p14, 2q33-34, 10p12-13, 14q11, 14q21-22, 17p13, 17q25, and 19q12-14. In addition, we analysed loci for the MYOC gene on 1q23-24 and the OPTN gene on 10p14-15.
Methods: Eight Finnish families (92 family members; 27 individuals with POAG; 19 individuals with ocular hypertension or glaucoma suspicion) were genotyped using 35 microsatellite markers on the candidate loci and analyzed for linkage.
Results: No significant evidence for linkage was found in two point and multipoint linkage analyses to the tested markers in the analyzed families.
Conclusions: Our results support further genetic heterogeneity underlying POAG and encourage a search of novel genetic loci and predisposing genes in order to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying POAG.