The MIM Code
Every disease and gene is assigned a six digit number of which the first number classifies the method of inheritance.
If the initial digit is 1, the trait is deemed autosomal dominant; if 2, autosomal recessive; if 3, X-linked. Wherever a trait defined in this dictionary has a MIM number, the number from the 12th edition of MIM, is given in square brackets with or without an asterisk (asterisks indicate that the mode of inheritance is known; a number symbol (#) before an entry number means that the phenotype can be caused by mutation in any of two or more genes) as appropriate e.g., Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease is an X-linked recessive disorder.
Range of MIM codes: Method of inheritance
- 100000–299999: Autosomal loci or phenotypes (created before May 15, 1994)
- 300000–399999: X-linked loci or phenotypes
- 400000–499999: Y-linked loci or phenotypes
- 500000–599999: Mitochondrial loci or phenotypes
- 600000–above : Autosomal loci or phenotypes (created after May 15, 1994)
These codes have been used in the medical literature to provide a unified index to genetic diseases.
Read more about this topic: Online Mendelian Inheritance In Man
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