Identification of a novel alpha1-antitrypsin null variant (Q0Cairo).

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a common hereditary disorder associated with high risk of developing pulmonary emphysema early in life and, to a lesser extent, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Among Northern Europeans and Northern Americans, more than 95% of individuals with emphysema associated with AATD carry the most frequent AAT deficient gene variants, PI*Z and PI*S. Rare AAT deficient variants account for 2-4% of AATD individuals. We extend the sequence data on AAT by characterizing a novel Null allele detected in 3 subjects: a carrier belonging to an Italian/Egyptian family and 2 members of a family originating from Southern Italy. The mutation raised on a M1 (Ala213) base allele and it is characterized by an A-->T transversion at exon III, nt 218, codon 259 (AAA-->TAA) (GeneBank accession number AY 256958). The transversion results in a premature stop codon (Lys259AAA-->Stop259TAA). The proposed nomenclature of Q0cairo is from the birthplace of the father of first recognized subject. Serum levels and isoelectric focusing of AAT were consistent with the presence of the Null variant.     

Normal C1 inhibitor mRNA expression level in type I hereditary angioedema patients: newly found C1 inhibitor gene mutations

BACKGROUND: C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) plays a key role in the classical pathway of the complement cascade. Mutations in this gene cause a decreased level of antigenic (type I hereditary angioedema, HAE) or functional (type II HAE) C1INH. OBJECTIVE: To find novel mutations in C1INH and evaluate the expression of C1INH gene in HAE patients. METHODS: Direct sequencing mutation analysis was performed for genomic DNA from three unrelated families (14 HAE patients and 18 family members). Genomic DNA from one family was also analyzed for larger genomic rearrangements, using Southern blotting analysis. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate C1INH mRNA expression level. RESULTS: Four mutations in exons (2,311 T-->C, 14,034 G-->A, 16,830 G-->A, and 16,979-16,980 G insertion) and four in introns (738 G-->A, 8,531 A-->G, 14,254 A-->G, and 14,337-14,378 TT deletion) were found. Interestingly, all of the nine patients in one family share the same mutation of Gly345Arg (14,034 G-->A) in the seventh exon. In another family, a single base mutation near the splice site (14,254 A-->G) was found in all of the three patients. In the last family, although a significant mutation was not found by direct sequencing, patients showed an abnormal 16 kb fragment in addition to the normal allele (21 kb Bcl I fragment). The C1INH mRNA expression of HAE patients in two families was not significantly different compared with that of normal controls. CONCLUSION: The two novel exonal mutations (G-->A and A-->G) and one large gene deletion were associated with the clinical phenotypes of HAE. Considering the normal C1INH mRNA levels but below normal protein levels in two families, their phenotypes would be associated with the post-translational defect.     

Three novel mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene detected by chemical cleavage: analysis of variant splicing and a nonsense mutation.

We have used the chemical cleavage mismatch technique to screen for mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene. Analysis of exons 10 and 11 in the first nucleotide binding fold led to the detection of several described mutations and two novel mutations, V520F and C524X. V520F results from a G-->T nucleotide substitution changing a valine to a phenylalanine residue, while C524X (a nonsense mutation), results from a C-->A transversion. A third novel mutation, Q1291H (G-->C), at the last nucleotide of exon 20, would substitute a histidine residue for glutamine. Further study, involving RNA based PCR, revealed that Q1291H was also a splice mutation. Both correctly and aberrantly spliced mRNAs are produced from the Q1291H allele. The incorrectly spliced product results from the use of a nearby cryptic splice site 29 bases into the adjacent intron.     

Molecular characterization of galactosemia (Type 1)mutations in Japanese

We characterized two novel mutations of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene intwo Japanese patients with GALT deficiency and identified N314D and R333W mutations, previouslyfound in Caucasians. One novel missense mutation was an G-to-A transition in exon 8, resulting in thesubstitution of arginine by histidine at the codon 231 (R231H). GALT activity of the R231H mutantconstruct was reduced to 15% of normal controls in a COS cell expression system. The other was asplicing mutation, an A-to-G transition at the 38th nucleotide in exon 3 (318A→G), resulting in a38-bp deletion in the GALT cDNA by activating a cryptic splice acceptor site. In seven Japanesefamilies (14 alleles for classic form and one allele for Duarte variant) with GALT deficiency, the R231H and 318A→G mutations were found only on both alleles of the proband. The N314D and R333W mutations were found on one allele each. The Q188R was prevalent in the United States butnot in Japanese patients. The N314D mutation was associated with the Duarte variant in Japanesepersons, as well as in the United States. We speculate that classic galactosemia mutations appear todiffer between Japanese and Caucasian patients. Our limited data set on galactosemia mutations in Japanese suggests that the N314D GALT mutation encoding the Duarte variant arose before Asianand Caucasian people diverged and that classic galactosemia mutations arose and/or accumulated afterthe divergence of Asian and Caucasian populations. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

肾上腺脑白质营养不良外显子1,5基因突变分析

目的　探讨中国人性染色体隐性遗传肾上腺脑白质营养不良 (adrenoleukodystrophy,AL D)的分子发病机理。方法　应用聚合酶链反应结合 DNA测序技术 ,对 4例患者、患者母亲及 2 0名正常对照者的 AL D基因外显子 1、外显子 5及其侧翼进行突变检测。结果　发现 1例患者在 AL D基因外显子 5内含子 5交界处发生了 1875 G→ A突变 ,这种突变可能导致外显子 5和外显子 6剪接异常 ,合成异常蛋白 ,从而使极长链脂肪酸在脑白质、肾上腺及血浆聚集增多 ,导致疾病发生。结论　 AL D基因内含子 5的 5′剪切点突变 ,导致外显子 5和外显子 6剪接异常为性染色体隐性遗传肾上腺脑白质营养不良发病原因之一     

α1-Antitrypsin Nonsense Mutation Associated with a Retained Truncated Protein and Reduced mRNA

α₁-Antitrypsin (α1AT) provides the major protection in the lung against neutrophil elastase-mediated proteolysis. Inheritance of α1AT deficiency alleles is associated with an increased risk of emphysema and liver disease. α1AT null alleles cause the total absence of serum α1AT and represent the ultimate in a continuum of alleles associated with α1AT deficiency. The molecular mechanisms responsible for absence of serum α1AT include splicing abnormalities, deletion of α1AT coding exons, and premature stop codons. We identified an Italian individual with asthma, emphysema, and a very low level of serum α1AT. DNA sequencing demonstrated theMprocidadeficiency allele and a novel null allele,QOtrastevere(c654 G → A, W194Z), a nonsense mutation near the intron 2 (IVS2) splice acceptor site. To determine the molecular basis ofQOtrastevereand specifically to evaluate whether this nonsense mutation interfered with mRNA processing by altered splicing, we used a Chinese hamster ovary cell line permanently transfected withQOtrastevereor normal M α1AT with and without IVS2. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the normal M construct, with or without IVS2, expressed α1AT mRNA of a similar size. The nonsense mutation was associated with moderately reduced α1AT mRNA regardless of the presence or absence of IVS2. Reduction in α1AT mRNA regardless of the opportunity for splicing supports a translational-translocation model as the cause of reduced α1AT mRNA rather than the nuclear scanning model. Pulse–chase studies followed by immunoprecipitation demonstrated an endoplasmic reticulum-retained 31 kDaQOtrastevereα1AT, which was rapidly degraded. Although mRNA content was moderately reduced, retention and rapid intracellular degradation of the truncated form are the major mechanisms for the absence of secreted α1AT.     

Identification and in vitro expression of novel CDH23 mutations of patients with Usher syndrome type 1D

Usher syndrome (USH) is a group of autosomal recessive sensory disorders characterized by progressive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and sensorineural hearing impairment. Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1), with additional vestibular dysfunction, represents the most severe form and shows extensive allelic and non-allelic heterogeneity. At least six USH1 loci exist (USH1A-F), and four of the underlying genes have been identified. Recently, a novel gene, cadherin 23 (CDH23), was shown to be mutated in USH1D. We performed mutation screening by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct sequencing on 33 USH1 patients previously excluded for USH1B and USH1C. On eight disease alleles of four patients, four different mutations were identified, three of them novel (c.6933delT, c.5712G-->A, and IVS45-9G-->A). Exon trapping experiments were performed with two mutations. In the case of a c.5712G-->A transition of the last base of exon 42, that is an apparently synonymous mutation, skipping of exon 42 was observed. By the mutation IVS45-9G-->A, a novel splice acceptor site was created and the insertion of 7 intronic bp was observed. Two mutations, IVS45-9G-->A and the previously described IVS51+5G-->A, were each found in more than one patient. Haplotype analysis by SNPs within CDH23 suggests common ancestors for each of the mutations. Among the total of 52 USH1 cases studied by us, CDH23 mutations account for about 10% of all disease alleles. Our results further suggest that in patients with a typical USH1D phenotype, a significant portion of CDH23 mutations leads to premature termination of translation or loss of numerous amino acid residues, with a high frequency of changes causing aberrant splicing of CDH23 mRNA.     

Molecular characterisation of the defective alpha 1-antitrypsin alleles PI Mwurzburg (Pro369Ser), Mheerlen (Pro369Leu), and Q0lisbon (Thr68Ile)

Deficiency of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorder in Northern Europe. alpha 1AT is the physiological regulator of the proteolytic enzyme neutrophil elastase and severe deficiency states are associated with an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a consequence of chronic proteolytic damage to the lungs. Among the known mutations of the alpha 1AT gene causing severe alpha 1AT deficiency and COPD a few alleles are also associated with liver disease. When expressed in cell cultures, all these particular alleles cause intracellular alpha 1AT accumulation which appears to be a prerequisite for the development of hepatic injury. Liver disease is seen in only a small fraction of all patients carrying such alleles, however. The reason for this is not completely clear, but there is evidence that PI ZZ individuals 'susceptible' to liver disease carry an additional defect affecting protein degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We characterise a newly identified defective alpha 1AT allele PI Mwürzburg (Pro369 [CCC] to Ser [TCC]) associated with a complete intracellular transport block in cell cultures in vitro. The allele PI Mheerlen, a previously described different amino acid substitution in the same position as PI Mwürzburg (Pro369 [CCC] to Leu [CTC]) is shown to cause complete retention of the mutant alpha 1AT in the ER, too, whereas in the recently described mutant allele PI Q0lisbon (Thr68 [ACC] to Ile [ATC]) a significantly reduced alpha 1AT secretion from the cells was observed. Adenovirus-mediated recombinant expression of mutant Mwürzburg and Mheerlen, and of wild-type alpha 1AT in mouse liver in vivo showed that the mutant human proteins were not secreted into the mouse plasma, in contrast with human wild-type alpha 1AT which circulated at high concentrations over several weeks. In summary, all transportation deficient alpha 1ATs analysed have the potential to cause lung disease in the homozygous state or in heterozygous carriers of another deficiency allele, and they may also cause liver disease in certain patients. The mutant PI Mwürzburg and Mheerlen alpha 1ATs are completely retained within synthesising cells, and the molecular defect of transportation in these two alleles may be similar to that in the common PI Z allele. The molecular defect in the PI Q0lisbon allele (Thr68Ile) shows similarity with the immediately neighbouring Mmineral springs mutation (Gly67Glu).     

ADVIRC is caused by distinct mutations in BEST1 that alter pre-mRNA splicing

Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC), a retinal dystrophy often associated with glaucoma and cataract, forms part of a phenotypic spectrum of 'bestrophinopathies'. It has been shown previously that ADVIRC results from BEST1 mutations that cause exon skipping and lead to the production of shortened and internally deleted isoforms. This study describes a novel ADVIRC mutation and show that it disrupts an exonic splice enhancer (ESE) site, altering the binding of a splicing-associated SR protein. As with previous ADVIRC mutations, the novel c.704T-->C mutation in exon 6 altered normal splicing in an ex vivo splicing assay. Both this and another exon 6 ADVIRC-causing mutation (c.707G-->A) either weakened or abolished splicing in an ESE-dependent splice assay compared with a nearby exon 6 mutation associated with Best disease (c.703G-->C). Gel shift assays were undertaken with RNA oligonucleotides encompassing the ADVIRC and Best disease mutations with four of the most commonly investigated SR proteins. Although SC35, SRp40 and SRp55 proteins all bound to the wild-type and mutated sequences with similar intensities, there was increased binding of ASF/SF2 to the two ADVIRC-mutated sequences compared with the wild-type or Best disease-mutated sequences. The exon skipping seen for these two exon 6 ADVIRC mutations and their affinity for ASF/SF2 suggests that the region encompassing these mutations may form part of a CERES (composite exonic regulatory elements of splicing) site.     

长QT综合征 KCNQ1基因突变筛查方法

目的 研究中国人长QT综合征(long QT syndrome，LQTS)与编码缓慢激活延迟整流钾通道基因(postassium voltage—gated channel，KQT—like subfamily member 1，KCNQl)突变的关系。方法 根据心电图T波的特征对31个家系进行基因分型的初步预测。对10个预测为LQTl家系的家庭成员，用聚合酶链反应-单链构像多态性(polymerase chain reaction—single strand conformation polymorphism,PCR—SSCP)方法进行KCNQ1基因16个外显子及剪接位点的筛查，SSCP异常者进行DNA测序。为避免遗漏心电图表现不典型的LQT1，同时也为了进行方法学比较，对其它21个非LQT1家系只对先证者进行16个外显子的PCR和DNA直接测序。对测序有异常者，分析其家系成员相应外显子的疾病分离情况。若异常只存在于患者，则检查该异常在50个正常对照者中的情况。结果 (1)在心电图预测分型为LQT1的家系中发现了位于第5外显子的S277L(1个家系)和G306V(1个家系)2个错义突变。另外发现了3个多态性，分别为435C→T(1145I)(7个家系)、1632C→A(S546S)(1个家系)、IVS1 9C→G(3个家系)。(2)在心电图分型预测为非LQT1的先证者中只发现了1个剪接突变IVS1 5G→A(2个家系)和1个多态性IVS1 18C→T(1个家系)。3个突变位点均位于KCNQ1基因功能区域，各突变家系内患者存在同样的异常条带或序列，而正常对照无此异常。结论 在中国人LQTS患者中发现TKCNQ1基因上的2个新错义突变、1个剪接突变和4个多态性。结合心电图分型预测，PCR-SSCP法可发现绝大部分突变，是筛查LQTS突变的简便而经济的方法。     

Molecular basis of recessive congenital methemoglobinemia, types I and II: Exon skipping and three novel missense mutations in the NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (diaphorase 1) gene

Hereditary methemoglobinemia due to reduced nicotin amide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-cytochrome b5 reductase (b5r) deficiency is classified into an erythrocyte type (I) and a generalized type (II). We investigated the b5r gene of three unrelated patients with types I and II and found four novel mutations. The patient with type I was homozygous for a c.535 G-->A exchange in exon 6 (A179T). The patients with type II were found to be homozygous for a c.757 G-->A transition in exon 9 (V253M) and compound heterozygous for two mutations, respectively. One allele presented a c.379 A-->G transition (M127V). The second allele carried a sequence difference at the invariant 3' splice-acceptor dinucleotide of intron 4 (IVS4-2A-->G) resulting in skipping of exon 5. To characterize a possible effect of this mutation on RNA metabolism, poly(A)(+) RNA was analyzed by RT-PCR and sequencing. The results show that RNA is made from the allele harboring the 3'-splice site mutation. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed a complete absence of immunologically detectable b5r in skin fibroblasts of this patient. The compound heterozygosity for the splice site and the missense mutations apparently caused hereditary methemoglobinemia type II in this patient. Hum Mutat 17:348, 2001.     

Wolfram syndrome in French population: characterization of novel mutations and polymorphisms in the WFS1 gene

Wolfram syndrome (WS), a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, results in most cases from mutations in the WFS1 gene. In this study, a total of 19 patients with Wolfram syndrome and 36 relatives from 17 families were screened for mutations in the WFS1 gene. WFS1 mutations were identified on both alleles in 16 of 19 patients and on 1 allele of 3 patients, showing that WFS1 is the major gene involved in WS in the french population. We identified 25 different mutations, twelve of which were novel. We found 6 frameshift mutations, 6 nonsense mutations, 6 missense mutations, 6 in-frame deletions, and one new homozygous mutation in the splice donor site of exon 7 (c.861+1G>A) resulting in a frameshift. Most patients were compound heterozygotes. No common founder mutation or mutational hot spot were found in the WFS1 gene. Although most mutations occurred in exon 8, in some cases molecular screening requires analysis of all exons, including the non-coding exon 1. We also identified 3 new polymorphisms. Furthermore, genotype-phenotype correlation suggests that the presence of inactivating mutations on both alleles may be associated with an early onset of diabetes mellitus.     

The major allele of the alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase gene: seven novel mutations causing primary hyperoxaluria type 1

We describe 7 novel mutations occurring on the major allele of the human AGT gene in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1, an autosomal recessive disease resulting from a deficiency of the liver peroxisomal enzyme alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT; EC 2.6.1.44). These mutations include 3 small deletions, 570delG, 744delC, and 983_988del, two splice junction mutations, IVS7-1G-->C and IVS8+1G-->T, and two nonsense mutations, R111X and W251X. We have also identified recurrences of previously identified reported mutations, 679-(IVS6+2)delAAgt, IVS8-3C-->G and 33insC. Deletion mutation 679-(IVS6+2)delAAgt has now been identified in a second Chinese patient and may be specific to that population. In contrast, 33insC has been found in patients of varying ethnic and racial backgrounds; a single vs multiple origin for this mutation is thus an intriguing question. It also appears to occur at a high frequency on the major allele. Five of the novel mutations were detected in patients who were compound heterozygotes for one of the common mis-targeting mutation, G170R or F152I, while the other two mutations occurred in the same patient.     

Severe α-1 antitrypsin deficiency caused by Q0(Ourém) allele: clinical features, haplotype characterization and history

α-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) caused by null alleles is associated with the total lack of protein and generally it translates into more severe clinical features of pulmonary disease. This is the case of Q0(Ourém) , a rare variant found in several families of Central Portugal caused by the L353fsX376 mutation. A total of 41 patients carrying at least one copy of Q0(Ourém) were evaluated for SERPINA1 levels, respiratory function values and lung parenchyma status (chest X-ray and computerized tomography scan). Q0(Ourém) haplotype background was characterized using seven microsatellites flanking SERPINA1 and Q0(Ourém) age was estimated by a statistical method relying on the decay of haplotype sharing at linked markers (DHSMAP). Homozygous patients showed a compromised lung function and extensive emphysema. SQ0(Ourém) , although having serum levels below the 11 μM threshold, did not necessarily result in signs of disease. MQ0(Ourém) were found to be a heterogeneous group, mainly composed of normal individuals. Eight Q0(Ourém) haplotypes were identified and the allele was estimated to have arisen 650 years ago. Q0(Ourém) was associated with mild to severe AATD and has a single origin, probably linked to the major Ourém settlements where the occurrence of severe AATD may not be explained by recent consanguinity.     

多巴反应性肌张力障碍GCH1基因突变分析

目的探讨多巴反应性肌张力障碍（dopa responsive dystonia,DRD）三磷酸鸟苷环化水解酶Ⅰ基因（guanosinetriphosphate cyclohydrolaseⅠ,GCH1）的突变。方法应用聚合酶链反应、DNA直接测序和限制性内切酶酶切技术对6例散发DRD患者进行GCH1基因的突变分析,对100名健康对照者进行GCH1基因的PCR和限制性内切酶酶切分析。结果1例患者检测出GCH1基因一个新的点突变151（G→A）,为起始密码子突变,导致所编码的起始氨基酸由蛋氨酸变为异亮氨酸（M1I）而不能起始翻译。100名健康对照者等位基因无此突变。结论发现了GCH1基因一个新的杂合型点突变151（G→A）,我国散发DRD患者中存在GCH1基因突变。