Accurate diagnosis is crucial. This will be helped considerably by the recent discovery of the gene

Dr Sally Feather, Institute of Child Health

It could lead to genetic testing and counselling for families who may be carrying it.

It could also mean that the different varieties of OFD - which have very different medical needs - could be diagnosed accurately.

Dr Feather said: "We are extremely pleased to be given this funding as it provides an opportunity to discover more about this important clinical disorder, which can cause extreme defects.

Hard to diagnose

"Knowledge of the function of the gene will be of considerable benefit in understanding how resulting malformations occur.

"Diagnosing OFD is not easy, as there are more than eight different forms and it can be difficult to distinguish between them.

"In addition, there are a number of other syndromes which have similar features.

"However, the medical complications that can occur may be very different, meaning accurate diagnosis is crucial. This will be helped considerably by the recent discovery of the gene."

The team at the institute has been looking into a number of genes which cause hereditary disorders.

Action Research's director of campaigns and communications, John Grounds, said: "As many as one or two babies out of every hundred born will have a disease which they have inherited from one or other of their parents.

"In order to improve the outlook for these babies and enhance their support and care, it is vital we try to identify and understand the genetic factors of these disorders."