Gorlin syndrome: the PTCH gene links ocular developmental defects and tumour formation.

AIM To identify a gene linking microphthalmia with cyst with early onset medulloblastoma. METHODS Mutation analysis of the PTCH gene. RESULTS A mutation in exon 10 of the PTCH gene was identified, confirming a diagnosis of Gorlin syndrome. CONCLUSIONS This is the first genetically identified mutation giving rise to microphthalmia with cyst and provides a valuable link in the eye developmental gene pathway.