Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare disease characterized by short 
stature, brachydactyly, joint stiffness, and characteristic eye abnormalities, 
including microspherophakia, ectopia lentis, and glaucoma. Both autosomal 
recessive and autosomal dominant modes of inheritance have been described in 
association with WMS. We have performed a genome-wide search in two large 
consanguineous families of Lebanese and Saudian origin consistent with an 
autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Here, we report the linkage of the 
disease gene to chromosome 19p13.3-p13.2 (Zmax=5.99 at theta=0 at locus 
D19S906). A recombination event between loci D19S905 and D19S901 defines the 
distal boundary, and a second recombination event between loci D19S221 and 
D19S840 defines the proximal boundary of the genetic interval encompassing the 
WMS gene (12.4 cM). We hope that our ongoing studies will lead to the 
identification of the disease-causing gene.