A new Leu253Arg mutation in the RP2 gene in a Japanese family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To identify the clinical findings in a Japanese family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa associated with mutation in codon 253 (Leu253Arg) in the RP2 gene. METHODS: Case reports included clinical features and results of fluorescein angiography, electroretinogram, kinetic visual field testing, and DNA analysis. Two affected hemizygotes with retinitis pigmentosa associated with transversion mutations in codon 253 (Leu253Arg) of the RP2 gene and the obligate carriers were examined. RESULTS: A novel Leu253Arg mutation of the RP2 gene was found to cosegregate with retinal degeneration in two affected males and two carriers in female heterozygote in a Japanese family. The ophthalmic findings in hemizygote showed severe retinal degeneration. In the obligate carrier, mild chorioretinal degeneration was observed in both eyes but a tapetal-like reflex of the fundus was not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The mutation at codon 253 of the RP2 gene is the first mutation reported in a Japanese family. It is concluded that the mutation of the RP2 gene also causes the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in Japanese patients.     

Variants of RP1 gene in Chinese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of mutations in the RP1 gene and to characterize mutations with the clinical features in the Chinese family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). METHODS: Forty-three affected, unrelated Chinese individuals with ADRP were recruited between 2002 and 2006. Polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing were used to screen in the entire coding region and splice sites of the RP1 gene. Cosegregation analysis and population frequency studies were performed for patients with identified mutations. The clinical features were determined by complete ophthalmologic examinations. RESULTS: The mutation detectable rate of the RP1 gene in Chinese patients with ADRP was 1/43. A missense mutation, N985Y, was identified in exon 4 of the RP1 gene in 8 affected individuals from a Chinese family with ADRP. The ophthalmic findings with an N985Y mutation were similar to those of typical retinitis pigmentosa with delayed onset after age 40 years and slow progression. In addition, a total of 9 distinct variants were detected in our study population, most of which were RP1 gene polymorphisms; the pathological significance of P903L, a novel missense mutation, was unconfirmed. INTERPRETATION: Mutations in the RP1 gene are relatively rare in Chinese patients with ADRP. In our cases, N985Y mutation segregated with the phenotype from 1 Chinese family with mild and late-onset ADRP, a finding that has not been documented in other races.     

Screening for mutations in the IMPDH1 gene in Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To determine the presence and frequency of mutations in the IMPDH1 gene in Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP), and to characterize the clinical characteristics of patients with the Lys238Arg mutation in the IMPDH1 gene. DESIGN: Case reports and results of DNA analysis. METHODS: All 14 coding exons of the IMPDH1 gene were directly sequenced in 96 unrelated patients with ADRP. The clinical features were determined by visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and kinetic visual field tests. RESULTS: Two novel mutations, a Leu227Pro and Lys238Arg, in the IMPDH1 gene were identified in two unrelated families with ADRP. The clinical features associated with the Lys238Arg mutation were an early-onset and severe retinal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly reported Asp226Asn mutation was not found in the Japanese population, instead two novel mutations were found. These findings suggest that mutations of the IMPDH1 gene cause ADRP in the Japanese population.     

Mutation of human retinal fascin gene (FSCN2) causes autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical features of 14 Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) who were found to have a mutation in the FSCN2 gene. METHODS: Mutation screening by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was performed in 120 unrelated patients with ADRP, 200 unrelated patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP), and 100 patients with simplex RP (SRP). The DNA fragment that showed abnormal mobility on SSCP was sequenced. The clinical features of these patients were determined by visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, electroretinography, fluorescein angiography, and kinetic visual field testing. RESULTS: A novel 208delG mutation in the FSCN2 gene was identified in 14 patients from four unrelated families with ADRP. The ophthalmic findings were typical of RP. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that a 208delG mutation in the FSCN2 gene produces ADRP. This mutation was found in 3.3% of the patients with ADRP in Japan, which suggests that it may be relatively common in Japanese patients with ADRP.     

Clinical features of a Japanese family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa associated with a Thr494Met mutation in the<Emphasis Type="Italic"> HPRP3</Emphasis> gene

Purpose To determine the clinical features of a Japanese family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) associated with a Thr494Met mutation in the HPRP3 gene.Methods Mutational screening by direct sequencing was performed on 96 unrelated patients with ADRP. The clinical features were determined by visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, electroretinography, fluorescein angiography, and kinetic visual field testing.Results A Thr494Met mutation in the HPRP3 gene was found in one family and it cosegregated with ADRP in the three affected members. The ophthalmic findings were those of typical retinitis pigmentosa with rapid progression after 40-years-of-age. One patient also had retinoblastoma as a child.Conclusion We conclude that the Thr494Met mutation in the HPRP3 gene causes ADRP in Japanese patients. This mutation was found in 1% of patients with ADRP in Japan.     

视网膜色素变性1基因在常染色体显性遗传视网膜色素变性家系中的突变分析

目的:研究常染色体显性遗传视网膜色素变性(autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa,ADRP)家系中视网膜色素变性1(retinitis pigmentosa-1,RP1)基因的突变特征及其在RP发病机制中的作用。方法:运用聚合酶链反应和直接测序方法,对6个ADRP家系的47例成员和50例对照者进行了RP1基因全编码区和邻近剪切位点的内含子区域序列突变的筛选与检测。运用单因素分析、多因素Logistic回归分析研究RP1基因点突变在RP发病中的作用。结果:ADRP家系成员和对照组RP1基因第4外显子上检测出2个变异位点。在1691和1725密码子存在杂合的两种类型的密码子(S1691P,Ser-Pro,TCT→CCT;Q1725Q,Gln-Gln,CAA→CAG)。ADRP家系成员中Ser-1691-Pro及Gln-1725-Gln位点突变率显著高于正常对照组(χ2=11.202,P<0.05)。结论:RP1基因Ser-1691-Pro及Gln-1725-Gln位点多态性可增高RP的危险性,具有潜在的致病性,考虑为ADRP家系的易感基因。     

汉族常染色体显性视网膜色素变性一家系的连锁分析及突变筛查

背景 原发性视网膜色素变性(RP)有明显的遗传异质性和表型异质性,目前已确定的致病基因较多,确定患病家系的致病基因是进行基因治疗的基础. 目的 对患常染色体显性遗传性RP(ADRP)的一个汉族家系进行致病基因的定位和基因突变分析.方法 此家系的5代21名成员纳入研究,包括12例ADRP患者和9名表型正常者.12例患者进一步接受中心视野、间接检眼镜、眼电图(EOG)、视网膜电图(ERG)检查.对22个已知的ADRP致病基因所在染色体位点进行连锁分析,以确定该家系与疾病连锁的染色体区域,随后对该区域附近的候选基因视紫红质(RHO)进行直接测序评估其突变情况. 结果 间接检眼镜检查该家系先证者眼底表现符合原发性RP表现,EOG和ERG表现为波形记录不到,视野呈向心性缩小.两点连锁分析结果显示,该家系致病基因位点与遗传标记D3S1292连锁,在θ=0.0时得到最大优势对数(LOD)值为3.6671.候选的RHO基因直接测序结果发现,该家系所有患者第53位密码子的第2个核苷酸均出现了C→G的突变,致其氨基酸由脯氨酸变为精氨酸(Pro53Arg),而该家系正常成员中未发现此突变. 结论 RHO基因的错义突变Pro53Arg与RP疾病出现共分离现象,可确定为该ADRP家系的致病基因.     

Rhodopsin gene codon 106 mutation (Gly-to-Arg) in a Japanese family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To examine rhodopsin gene mutations in Japanese patients with retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: We performed a mutational analysis of the rhodopsin gene in 42 patients from 40 families with retinitis pigmentosa. Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR products were sequenced. Restriction enzyme analysis was performed in family members of 1 patient with a rhodopsin gene mutation (Gly106Arg) and in 100 normal individuals. RESULTS: Among the patients with retinitis pigmentosa, 3 patients in one family had a heterozygous Gly106Arg mutation of the rhodopsin gene. They had night blindness and sectorial retinal dystrophy (predominantly at the inferior fundus) in both eyes. None of the 100 individuals with normal fundi had the Gly106Arg mutation of the rhodopsin gene. CONCLUSION: The Gly106Arg mutation of the rhodopsin gene has been found in Japanese patients with sectorial retinitis pigmentosa.     

Clinical phenotype of an Italian family with a new mutation in the PRPF8 gene

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and functional characteristics of an autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) family with a novel point mutation (P2301S) in the PRPF8 gene. METHODS: PRPF8 gene analysis and complete ophthalmologic examination in an ADRP family. RESULTS: Clinical examination revealed the typical RP phenotype in all family members. Electroretinography showed preserved ERG photopic responses. Genetic analysis showed that the P2301S missense mutation segregated with the disease in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previously reported families, the PRPF8 gene mutation in our family is associated with a mild phenotype in which cone function is partially preserved.     

Expression of the TIGR gene in the iris,ciliary body,and trabecular meshwork of the human eye

Purpose: To identify mutations in the rhodopsin ( RHO ) gene in Chinese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) and to measure the prevalence rate of RHO mutations in Chinese ADRP cases. Methods: Thirteen Chinese families with ADRP were clinically characterized. The complete coding region and intron splice sites of RHO were analyzed for mutations with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct genomic sequencing. Results: One of the 13 Chinese families with ADRP was found to have a new, previously unidentified RHO mutation, a change from GAG to TAG at codon 341. The mutation (E341X) results in an in-frame stop codon, leading to the truncation of the rhodopsin protein. Mutation E341X was not detected in 100 normal control individuals. Patients carrying mutation E341X reported night blindness and showed optic atrophy, vessel attenuation, and a few bone spicule-like pigments in peripheral retina at the age of 23–25 years. At the age of 30 years, visual acuity was severely impaired, peripheral visual field was greatly constricted, rod and cone ERG was not detectable, and only a slight left cone response remained. Conclusion: We have identified a novel rhodopsin mutation (E341X) in a Chinese family with ADRP. The location and character of the mutation expand the spectrum of RHO mutations causing RP. Identification of a RHO mutation in one of the 13 ADRP families studied suggests that only 7.7% of the ADRP cases in a Chinese population were caused by RHO mutations, a ratio significantly lower than that from North America or Europe.     

视网膜色素变性遗传致病基因peripherin/RDS的突变筛选

目的 了解中国视网膜色素变性患者（RP）中peripherin/RDS基因的突变谱及突变率。方法 应用聚合酶链-异源双链-单链构象多态性（PCR-SSCP）及DNA序列分析技术对收集的15个常染色体显性遗传视网膜色谱变性家系和55例散发视网膜色素变性患者peripherin/RDS基因的第一，第二外显子进行检测。结果 15个家系及55例散发患者未检测到peripherin/RDS基因突变。结论 本研究所检测的视网膜色素变性患者与RDS基因无关，显示视网膜色素变性的遗传异质性。     

Molecular genetic analysis for Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To identify the common mutations in Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa(ADRP), and to show that the kind and frequency of mutations depend on race. METHODS: Previously reported mutations for ADRP are summarized, and the results of screening for 120 Japanese patients with ADRP of the human retinal bascin (FSCN 2) gene are presented. Clinical features are characterized by visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, electroretinography, and kinetic visual field-testing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The Pro 23 His and Pro 347 Leu mutations in the rhodopsin gene are representative mutations for ADRP in other countries, but the mutation in the rhodopsin gene is very rare in Japanese patients with ADRP. On the other hand, a novel 208 delG mutation in the FSCN 2 gene was identified in 14 patients from 4 Japanese families with ADRP. This mutation was found in 3.3% of patients with ADRP, which suggests that this mutation might be relatively common and characteristic in Japanese patients with ADRP.     

Mutations in the gene coding for guanylate cyclase-activating protein 2 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">GUCA1B</Emphasis> gene) in patients with autosomal dominant retinal dystrophies

Background We investigated mutations in the gene coding for guanylate-cyclase activating protein 2 (GCAP2), also known as GUCA1B gene, in Japanese patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and tried to identify phenotypic characteristics associated with mutations in the gene.Subjects and methods Genomic DNA samples from 63 unrelated patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) and 33 patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) were screened by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis followed by direct sequencing. Clinical features associated with a mutation were demonstrated by visual acuity, visual field testing, fundus photography, and electroretinography.Results A novel transitional mutation converting GGA to AGA at codon 157 (G157R) was identified. This mutation has been found in three index patients from three independent families. Phenotypic examination of seven members of the three families revealed that this mutation was associated with RP with or without macular involvement in five members, macular degeneration in one member, and asymptomatic normal phenotype in one member. In addition, previously unknown polymorphic changes including V29V, Y57Y, T87I, and L180L were identified.Conclusions A racial difference exists in the spectrum of mutations and/or polymorphisms in the GCAP 2 gene between British and Japanese populations. Our findings suggest that the mutation in the GCAP 2 gene can cause one form of autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy, with variable phenotypic expression and incomplete penetrance.     

Progress in pathogenesis and therapeutic research in retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are designated special targeted eye diseases by the Welfare and Labor Ministry of Japan. We have been studying the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of these diseases. The development of molecular genetic analyses of RP revealed that the type and frequency of mutations varied with the ethnic population. In our present study, we focused on the genetic analysis and clinical examinations for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). We screened 96 unrelated ADRP families with 9 genes, which included rhodopsin, peripherin/RDS, RP 1, NRL, FSCN 2, PRPF 31, PRPC 8, HPRP 3, IMPDH 1. We also showed the correlations we have found between the phenotype and genotype of hereditary retinal diseases in Japanese patients. Our mutation screenings suggested that Japanese patients with ADRP might have a unique mutation, because the mutation in the FSCN 2 gene has been found only in Japanese patients. On the other hand, the Pro347Leu and Pro23His mutations in the rhodopsin, the Arg677X mutation in the RP 1, and the Asp226Asn mutation in the IMPDH 1 genes are representative mutations for ADRP, and are not found or are very rare in Japanese patients with ADRP. The results of randomized controlled trials of low-dose radiation for wet-type age-related macular degeneration located at the fovea centralis indicate the effectiveness of this treatment for maintaining visual acuity and regression of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) for at least one-year. Simple surgical removal of CNV or transplantation of autologous cultured iris pigment epithelium (IPE) with vitreous surgery showed some improvement of vision. In either RP or AMD, photoreceptors die, in most cases by apoptosis. Neurotrophic factors (NT) are effective for reducing these processes and preventing photoreceptor cell death in animal models. To apply these methods to humans, the procedures are as follows: 1) obtaining IPE by peripheral iridectomy, 2) culturing it with autologous serum and transfecting the cDNA of NT, and then 3) transplantation of these cells under the retina. We used cDNA of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector. These ex vivo procedures were safe and very effective for preventing photoreceptor cell death in animal models, such as RCS rats and light-damaged rats. In the future, these procedures could be applied for RP or AMD and might show some clinical effects for maintaining or improving the vision of patients.     

Novel mutation in RP2 gene in two brothers with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and mtDNA mutation of leber hereditary optic neuropathy who showed marked differences in clinical severity

PURPOSE: To report the identification of a novel mutation of the RP2 gene in two Japanese brothers with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa of a differing clinical severity. The mother was a carrier of both retinitis pigmentosa and optic atrophy. METHODS: The older brother had a severe form of retinitis pigmentosa associated with macular degeneration and total optic atrophy, whereas the younger brother presented typical X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. RESULTS: Each patient exhibited a novel 2-bp insertion at codon 278 in exon 3 of the RP2 gene as well as a 11778 mutation in mitochondrial DNA. This suggests that the older brother may have developed Leber hereditary optic neuropathy as well as retinitis pigmentosa. CONCLUSION: Molecular testing confirmed the clinical diagnosis in each case. However, such testing did not explain the differences in the severity of the ophthalmoscopic findings between the two brothers.     

视网膜色素变性与基因突变

视网膜色素变性 (RP)是常见的致盲性遗传疾病 ,目前已发现有数十个基因的 15 0多个突变位点与其有关。与常染色体显性遗传、常染色体隐性遗传和性连锁遗传相对应的最常见的突变基因分别是视红紫质基因、杆体环鸟苷酸磷酸二脂酶基因和三磷酸鸟苷酸酶调节因子基因 ,其他的突变基因还有盘膜边缘蛋白基因 (常染色体显性遗传 )、杆体环鸟苷酸离子通道基因、RPE6 5基因、视黄醛结合蛋白基因和酪氨酸激酶受体基因 (常染色体隐性遗传 ) ,RP2基因(性连锁遗传 ) ,线粒体DNA细胞色素b基因等 ,每个突变基因对应于人群中不同的RP患者。基因治疗将成为治疗RP的根本方法 ,而对RP突变基因的定位、基因的生物学功能、突变所造成的分子病理机制的深入认识 ,是进行基因治疗的关键。     

Molecular biological study of the rhodopsin gene in Japanese patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa]

The author analyzed codon 347 of the rhodopsin gene using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and restriction enzymes in 19 unrelated Japanese families including 28 patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). An allele of codon 347 mutation was found in a family (father and daughter). Sequence analysis shows that the mutation is from CCG to CTG. This mutation appears to be the cause of one form of ADRP, since it was also found in Japanese cases of ADRP which have a different racial background from families reported by Dryja et al.     

A novel compound heterozygous mutation in the RDH5 gene in a patient with fundus albipunctatus

PURPOSE: To report a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase (RDH5) gene in a patient with fundus albipunctatus. METHOD: We examined the RDH5 gene genotype in members of a Japanese family. Clinical examination showed that the proband had fundus albipunctatus and his aunt had retinitis pigmentosa. The RDH5 gene was analyzed by direct genomic sequencing. RESULTS: The proband had a compound heterozygotic missense mutation of Val177Gly (GTC-->GGC) and Arg280His (CGC-->CAC) in his RDH5 gene. His mother had the Arg280His mutation and his father had the Val177Gly mutation, but his father's aunt who has typical retinitis pigmentosa had the wild type RDH5 gene. The occurrence of Val177Gly has not been reported in the RDH5 gene of fundus albipunctatus. CONCLUSION: A novel compound heterozygous missense mutation in the RDH5 gene was found in a patient with fundus albipunctatus.     

我国常染色体显性遗传视网膜色素变性家系中PRPF31基因新的剪切位点突变

目的　研究我国一个4代常染色体显性遗传视网膜色素变性(RP)家系患者的致病基因突变位点及临床表型特征。方法　对RP家系中的所有患者进行眼部及视觉电生理检查;对全部家系成员进行全基因组扫描及连锁分析, 对候选基因直接测序并通过限制性内切酶反应证实突变位点。结果　RP家系患者致病基因定位于染色体带19q13 4,微卫星标记物D19S589和D19S254之间不到4Mb区域。在所有患者的PRPF31基因内含子8的第一个碱基处发现一新的杂合突变(G>C),使内含子8的剪切供体由GT变为CT。RP家系患者的临床表型符合早期发病且弥漫型的RP患者类型。结论　我国该4代RP家系中的患者由PRPF31基因中一新的剪切位点的杂合突变致病(IVS8+1G>C)。     

De novo mutation in the RP1 gene (Arg677ter) associated with retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: The Arg677ter mutation in the RP1 gene is one of the most common causes of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP). In the current study, a de novo Arg677ter RP1 gene mutation was identified in a patient with RP. METHODS: RP1 gene mutation screening was performed in probands with simplex RP. In one proband with the RP1 mutation, paternity was established by analyzing 24 short tandem repeat polymorphisms. Additional candidate RP genes, including rhodopsin, RDS/peripherin, RP2, and RPGR, were also examined in this proband. Phenotype was characterized with psychophysics, electroretinography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: An RP1 (Arg677ter) mutation was identified in one of the patients with simplex RP, but the sequence change was not detected in his parents. Parentage was confirmed, and other candidate genes were negative for mutations. Retinal function and cross-sectional imaging studies in the patient indicated greater rod than cone dysfunction with a photoreceptor basis for the abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: The de novo origin of an RP1 (Arg677ter) mutation in a patient with simplex RP suggests that this common autosomal dominant RP mutation can arise independently in the population and supports the hypothesis of a mutational hotspot in the RP1 gene.