Purpose: To detect the cataractogenetic mutation for a six-generation family of Chinese origin with autosomal dominant binocular polymorphic cataracts.

Methods: A genome wide scan was performed using 382 fluorescent-labeled microsatellite markers. Multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed according to the protocols previously described. Two-point linkage analysis was performed with the FASTLINK version of the MLINK in Linkage Program Package. The candidate gene was screened by direct sequencing.

Results: The disease locus was mapped to a 61 cM region on chromosome 12 defined by D12S310 and D12S351 near the major intrinsic protein gene (MIP). The maximum two-point lod score of 5.44 was obtained at marker D12S83 at θ= 0.00. Direct sequencing of the encoding region of the candidate gene revealed a novel missense mutation G> A in exon 4 at nucleotide 702, which caused the replacement of arginine to lysine at codon 233 (p. R233K). Conclusions: The change located in the α-helix domain of the COOH-terminus of MIP was determined to be associated with the binocular polymorphic cataract in this study. It suggests that arginine in this domain plays a crucial role in the function of the carboxyl-end of this protein and provides a helpful clue to further studies on completely understanding the physiological significance of MIP and its role in the formation of cataract.