Genetic basis of familial Meniere's disease.

The genetic basis of familial Meniere's disease (MD) is unclear. We present a genetic investigation of six individuals in two families with familial MD. Linkage analysis was performed using polymorphic DNA markers linked to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus that map to chromosome 6p. We have demonstrated the presence of anticipation in successive generations and the absence of HLA association. This is the second report of anticipation in familial MD in the literature, and it suggests that efforts should be directed toward finding a trinucleotide expansion as a possible genetic lesion in this uncommon disorder.