Association of SNP rs1867277 in FOXE1 Gene and Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate in a Han Chinese Population

ABSTRACTBackground: The genetic factors causing cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) are still unclear. The SNPs in FOXE1 gene were associated with CL ± P. However, the results have been inconsistent. Objective: We explored the associations of four SNPs in FOXE1 gene and CL ± P by a family based study. Materials and Methods: 128 children with CL ± P and their parents were recruited. rs3758249 and rs1867277 were genotyped by high-resolution melting curve (HRM) method, whereas rs1443434 and rs907577 were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY® method. The software PLINK, FBAT and FAMHAP were used for analyzing data. Results: rs1867277 was associated with CL ± P (Pm = 0.0395). The patients were divided into two subgroups, individuals with cleft lip only and persons with cleft lip and palate. There were no associations in subgroup analyses. Conclusion: We confirmed the association of FOXE1 gene and CL ± P by a family based study. For the first time, rs1867277 was significantly associated with CL ± P.