Spectrum of mutations in USH2A in British patients with Usher syndrome type II

Usher syndrome (USH) is a combination of a progressive pigmentary retinopathy, indistinguishable from retinitis pigmentosa, and some degree of sensorineural hearing loss. USH can be subdivided in Usher type I (USHI), type II (USHII) and type III (USHIII), all of which are inherited as autosomal recessive traits. The three subtypes are genetically heterogeneous, with six loci so far identified for USHI, three for USHII and only one for USHIII. Mutations in a novel gene, USH2A, encoding the protein usherin, have recently been shown to be associated with USHII. The gene encodes a protein with partial sequence homology to both laminin epidermal growth factor and fibronectin motifs. We analysed 35 British and one Pakistani Usher type II families with at least one affected member, for sequence changes in the 20 translated exons of the USH2A gene, using heteroduplex analysis and sequencing. Probable disease-causing mutations in USH2A were identified in 15 of 36 (41.7%) Usher II families. The most frequently encountered mutation (11/15 families or 11/18 mutated alleles) was del2299G in exon 13, resulting in a frameshift and premature stop codon. Other mutations include insertions and point mutations, of which two are previously unreported. Five different polymorphisms were also detected. Our results indicate that mutations in this gene are responsible for disease in a large proportion of British Usher type II patients. Moreover, if screening for mutations in USH2A is considered, it is sensible to screen for the del2299G mutation first.     

Usher综合征与USH2A基因的研究进展

Usher综合征(USH)是一种以先天性感音神经性聋和视觉功能进行性丧失为特征的遗传性疾病,具有高度的遗传异质性及临床异质性,目前尚无有效的预防和治愈方法。目前已知USH有14个致病基因,USH2A突变是其最常见的原因。随着对USH2A基因研究的深入,USH2A致病机制、动物模型建立、临床诊断以及基于基因治疗、细胞移植和RNA剪接的治疗等方面研究皆取得了巨大进展。如,USH2A的突变导致参与外周纤毛区运输功能的USH复合体蛋白产生缺陷;基于此致病机制的小鼠及斑马鱼动物模型被建立,但存在其各自局限性;通过成簇规律间隔的短回文重复序列及其相关蛋白9系统对患者来源诱导多功能干细胞进行纠正后,将其诱导为视器官以进行临床的功能纠正性移植和基于反义寡核苷酸的RNA剪接治疗在此病的治疗中属于前景性研究。     

Prevalence of 2314delG mutation in Spanish patients with Usher syndrome type II (USH2)

The Usher syndrome (USH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa. Three clinically distinct forms of Usher syndrome have so far been recognized and can be distinguished from one another by assessing auditory and vestibular function. Usher syndrome type II (USH2) patients have congenital moderate-to-severe nonprogressive hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa, and normal vestibular function. Genetic linkage studies have revealed genetic heterogeneity among the three types of USH, with the majority of USH2 families showing linkage to the USH2A locus in 1q41. The USH2A gene (MIM 276901) has been identified: three mutations, 2314delG, 2913delG, and 4353-54delC, were initially reported in USH2A patients, the most frequent of which is the 2314delG mutation. It has been reported that this mutation can give rise to typical and atypical USH2 phenotypes. USH2 cases represent 62% of all USH cases in the Spanish population, and 95% of these cases have provided evidence of linkage to the USH2A locus. In the present study, the three reported mutations were analyzed in 59 Spanish families with a diagnosis of USH type II. The 2314delG was the only mutation identified in our population: it was detected in 25% of families and 16% of USH2 chromosomes analyzed. This study attempts to estimate the prevalence of this common mutation in a homogeneous Spanish population.     

Prevalence of 2314delG mutation in Spanish patients with Usher syndrome type II (USH2)

The Usher syndrome (USH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa. Three clinically distinct forms of Usher syndrome have so far been recognized and can be distinguished from one another by assessing auditory and vestibular function. Usher syndrome type II (USH2) patients have congenital moderate-to-severe nonprogressive hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa, and normal vestibular function. Genetic linkage studies have revealed genetic heterogeneity among the three types of USH, with the majority of USH2 families showing linkage to the USH2A locus in 1q41. The USH2A gene (MIM 276901) has been identified: three mutations, 2314delG, 2913delG, and 4353-54delC, were initially reported in USH2A patients, the most frequent of which is the 2314delG mutation. It has been reported that this mutation can give rise to typical and atypical USH2 phenotypes. USH2 cases represent 62% of all USH cases in the Spanish population, and 95% of these cases have provided evidence of linkage to the USH2A locus. In the present study, the three reported mutations were analyzed in 59 Spanish families with a diagnosis of USH type II. The 2314delG was the only mutation identified in our population: it was detected in 25% of families and 16% of USH2 chromosomes analyzed. This study attempts to estimate the prevalence of this common mutation in a homogeneous Spanish population.     

Novel mutations in MYO7A and USH2A in Usher syndrome

PURPOSE: Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease associating retinitis pigmentosa and neurosensory deafness. Three clinical types (USH1, USH2, USH3) and 11 mutated genes or loci have been described. Mutations in MYO7A and USH2A are responsible for about 40% and 60% of Usher syndromes type 1 and 2, respectively. These genes were screened in a series of patients suffering from Usher syndrome. METHODS: We performed SSCP screening of MYO7A in 12 unrelated patients suffering from Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1) and USH2A in 28 unrelated patients affected by Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2). RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Six mutations in MYO7A were found in five patients, including two novel mutations c.397C > G (His133Asp) and 1244-2A > G (Glu459Stop), accounting for 42% of our USH1 patients. Twelve mutations in USH2A were found in 11 patients, including four new mutations c.850delGA, c.1841-2A > G, c.3129insT, and c.3920C > G (Ser1307Stop), accounting for 39% of our USH2 patients     

Disease expression in Usher syndrome caused by VLGR1 gene mutation (USH2C) and comparison with USH2A phenotype

PURPOSE: To investigate the retinal disease expression in USH2C, the subtype of Usher syndrome type 2 recently shown to be caused by mutation in the VLGR1 gene, and compare results with those from USH2A, a more common cause of Usher syndrome. METHODS: Three siblings with USH2C and 14 patients with USH2A were studied. Visual function was measured by kinetic perimetry, static chromatic perimetry, and electroretinography (ERG). Central retinal microstructure was studied with optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: The siblings with VLGR1 mutation showed abnormal photoreceptor-mediated function in all retinal regions, and there was greater rod than cone dysfunction. USH2A had a wider spectrum of disease expression and included patients with normal function in some retinal regions. When abnormalities were detected, there was more rod than cone dysfunction. Retinal microstructure in both USH2C and USH2A shared the abnormality of loss of outer nuclear layer thickness. Central retinal structure in both genotypes was complicated by cystic macular lesions. A coincidental finding in an USH2C patient was that oral intake of antihistamines was associated with temporary resolution of the macular cystic change. CONCLUSIONS: USH2C and USH2A manifest photoreceptor disease with rod- and cone-mediated visual losses and thinning of the outer nuclear layer. An orderly progression through disease stages was estimated from cross-sectional and limited longitudinal data. Intrafamilial and interfamilial variation in retinal severity in USH2A, however, suggests that genetic or nongenetic modifiers may be involved in the disease expression.     

马凡综合征一家系FBN1基因突变筛查

目的 对一个马凡综合征家系进行FBN1基因突变筛查,探讨该家系的分子发病机制.方法 在征得患者知情同意下,采集家系中四名患者及两名正常个体外周静脉血5毫升,提取基因组DNA.采用直接测序法对FBN1基因全部65个外显子,以及外显子内含子拼接部进行序列分析.Polyphen程序分析FBN1基因突变引起的蛋白结构和功能改变.结果 通过基因突变筛查,发现该家系所有患者均携带有c.2261A＞G(p.Y754C)突变体,而患者家中正常个体及100名正常对照无此突变.经Polyphen程序分析,此突变将导致FBN1蛋白结构和功能的改变.结论 FBN1基因突变体p.Y754C是导致该马凡综合征家系的致病原因,此突变首次在中国马凡综合征患者中发现.

Abstract：

Objective To identify FBN1 gene mutations in a Chinese family with Marfan syndrome.Methods Four affected and two unaffected individuals in the family were recruited after informed consent.Five ml blood samples were drawn from each family member and genomic DNA was extracted. Mutations were detected by directly sequencing to the whole coding region and exon-intron boundaries of FBN1 gene.Polyphen program was used to predict the functional and structural changes of the mutant protein. Results We found all four affected individuals carried FBN1gene mutations, c. 2261A ＞ G ( p. Y754C), in exon18 by sequence analysis, while two unaffected family members and 100 normal controls did not have this mutation. A PSIC score of 2. 6 was acquired by Polyphen program analysis. Conclusion Our study supports that FBN1 gene mutation, c. 2261A ＞ G (p. Y754C), is the underlying molecular pathogenesis of this family with Marfan syndrome. This mutation is identified for the first time in Chinese population.     

携带MYO7A基因致病突变Usher综合征患者的基因型及临床特征分析

目的 分析中国人携带MYO7A基因致病突变Usher综合征患者的突变特点及临床特征。设计 回顾性病例系列。研究对象 北京同仁医院收集（14例）和其他已报道（19例）携带MYO7A基因致病突变Usher综合征患者33例。方法 患者进行眼科和听力检查,包括最佳矫正视力、眼底像、视网膜相干光断层扫描、闪光视网膜电图、纯音测听、声导抗和畸变耳声发射检查。根据患者临床特征分为Usher综合征Ⅰ型（USH1）和Usher综合征Ⅱ型（USH2）。主要指标 致病基因突变、发病年龄、听力损伤程度。 结果 33例患者中27例为USH1患者,6例为USH2患者。两类患者的听力损伤出现时间分别为USH1（0.8 ±1.8）岁,USH2（2.3±3.2）岁,均早于出现夜盲的时间,USH1（5.4±2.9）岁,USH2（11.8±4.0）岁;但USH1患者听力损伤较USH2患者重。在这些患者中共检出MYO7A基因的44种突变,包括17种错义突变,6种无义突变,12种剪接位点突变,7种框移突变,2种拷贝数变异。USH2患者主要携带错义突变,其比率（9/12,75.0%）明显高于USH1患者（21/54,38.9%）。患者无义突变检出率（12.1%）明显低于文献报告欧洲白种人中无义突变的比例,而剪接位点突变检出率（19.7%）与框移突变检出率（19.7%）高于欧洲白种人。未发现欧美人中的常见突变p.1240R>Q。结论 本研究初步确定了中国人MYO7A基因突变谱,且发现其与欧美人突变谱不同。携带MYO7A基因错义突变Usher综合征患者听力损伤相对较轻。（眼科,2020, 29： 98-103）     

Retinal disease in Usher syndrome III caused by mutations in the clarin-1 gene

PURPOSE: To determine the retinal phenotype of Usher syndrome type III (USH3A) caused by clarin-1 (CLRN1) gene mutations in a non-Finnish population. METHODS: Patients with USH3A (n = 13; age range, 24-69) representing 11 different families were studied and the results compared with those from patients with USH2A (n = 24; age range, 17-66). The patients were evaluated by ocular examination, kinetic and static perimetry, near-infrared autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Ten of 11 families had Ashkenazi Jewish origins and the N48K CLRN1 mutation. Rod function was lost in the peripheral field in the first two decades of life, but central rod function could be retained for another decade. Peripheral cone function was detectable into the third decade of life. Central cone function had a slower decline that extended for decades. Photoreceptor layer loss and features of retinal remodeling were present in retinal regions with severe visual dysfunction, even at the youngest ages tested. Central retinal structure could be normal in younger patients but structural integrity was lost in older patients. RPE disease generally paralleled photoreceptor degeneration. Comparisons between USH3A and USH2A suggested a common rod and cone phenotype but a more accelerated time course of rod loss in USH3A. CONCLUSIONS: USH3A and USH2A share patterns of rod and cone dysfunction and retinal structural abnormalities. Peripheral function measurements showed USH3A to be more rapidly progressive than USH2A.     

Comprehensive screening of the USH2A gene in Usher syndrome type II and non-syndromic recessive retinitis pigmentosa

A screen of the entire coding region of the USH2A gene in 129 unrelated patients with Usher syndrome type II (USH2) and in 146 unrelated patients with non-syndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) uncovered 54 different sequence variations, including 18 likely pathogenic mutations (13 frameshift, three nonsense, and two missense), 12 changes of uncertain pathogenicity (11 missense changes and one in-frame deletion), and 24 non-pathogenic rare variants or polymorphisms. Of the 18 likely pathogenic mutations, nine were novel. Among the USH2 patients, 50 (39%) had one or two likely pathogenic mutations. The most common mutant allele in USH2 patients was E767fs, which was found in 29 patients, including one homozygote. Among the ARRP patients, we found 17 (12%) with one or two likely pathogenic mutations. The most common mutant allele in ARRP patients was C759F and it was found in 10 patients. The C759F allele was also found in two USH2 patients; in neither of them was a change in the other allele found. The second most common mutant allele in both patient groups was L1447fs (found in 6/50 USH2 patients and 6/17 ARRP patients). Of the 50+17=67 patients with identified USH2A mutations, only one mutation in one allele was found in 41+12=53 (79%); the reason for the high proportion of patients with only one identified mutation is obscure. Our results indicate that USH2A mutations are found in about 7% of all cases of RP in North America, a frequency similar to the RPGR gene (8%) and the rhodopsin gene (10%).     

2型Usher综合征和视网膜色素变性家系USH2A基因突变及临床表型分析

目的观察2型Usher综合征(USH2)和视网膜色素变性(RP)患者的基因突变型及其临床表型。方法2018年8月至2019年1月于河南省立眼科医院就诊的USH2和RP 3个家系的4例患者和11名正常家系成员纳入研究。详细询问病史并行视力、眼底彩色照相、OCT、视野、全视野ERG检查。3个家系中,家系1为USH2;家系2、3为RP。采集患者及其家系成员外周静脉血,提取全基因组DNA,应用基于靶向捕获的二代测序技术进行基因测序,对可疑致病突变位点通过Sanger进行验证,并在家系成员中进行共分离。结果家系1先证者除眼底有RP表现外,同时合并神经性耳聋。基因检测结果显示,先证者USH2A基因第64、5号外显子分别存在c.13877-13880 del AGAC(p.Q4626P)(M1)、c.798 del T(p.F266L)(M2)2个杂合性移码突变。家系2、3先证者仅有眼底典型RP表现。基因检测结果显示,家系2先证者USH2A基因第70、37、29号外显子分别存在c.15178T>c(p.S5060P)(M3)、c.6986C>A(p.P2329H)(M4)2个杂合性错义突变和c.5836C>T(p.R1946X)(M5)终止突变。家系3先证者USH2A基因第67、57号外显子分别存在c.14951C>T(p.P4984L)(M6)、c.11156G>A(p.R3719H)(M7)2个杂合性错义突变。保守性分析结果显示,USH2A p.Q4626P、p.F266L、p.S5060P、p.P2329H、p.P4984L所对应的氨基酸位点在多个物种中均高度保守。检测出的7个致病突变中,M1~M4、M6为新发现突变位点。结论USH2A基因突变是导致USH2和非综合征性RP的主要原因;不同突变位点影响蛋白质翻译和合成,导致不同临床表型。     

Electroretinographic anomalies in mice with mutations in Myo7a, the gene involved in human Usher syndrome type 1B

PURPOSE. In humans, mutations in the gene encoding myosin VIIa can cause Usher syndrome type 1b (USH1B), a disease characterized by deafness and retinitis pigmentosa. Myosin VIIa is also the gene responsible for the inner ear abnormalities at the shaker1 (sh1) locus in mice. To date, none of the sh1 alleles examined have shown any signs of retinal degeneration. In the present study, electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded from sh1 mice to determine whether they have any physiological abnormalities. METHODS. ERGs were recorded from mice homozygous for one of nine mutant alleles of Myo7a ranging in age from postnatal day (P)20 to approximately 1 year. All mice were dark adapted for 30 minutes, and all the mutant mice were paired with an appropriately age- and strain-matched control animal. A presumptive null allele of myosin VIIa, Myo7a(4626SB), was used to determine whether mice without myosin VIIa had an increased threshold, as assessed by the light level required to elicit a 15-microV b-wave. RESULTS. At the maximum light intensity used, five of the nine alleles examined had significantly reduced a- and b-wave amplitudes. For example, Myo7a(4626SB) mutant mice had a 20% reduction in a-wave amplitude at the maximum light intensity, and this reduction was the same for mice ranging in age from P20 through 7 months. The b-wave thresholds of the Myo7a(4626SB) mutant mice were not significantly different from those of the control mice. Furthermore, whereas most of the alleles' a-wave implicit times were the same in mutant and control mice, mutant mice with two of the alleles had significantly faster a-wave implicit times. CONCLUSIONS. Mutations in myosin VIIa in mice can lead to decreased ERG amplitudes while threshold remains normal. This is the first report of a physiological anomaly in a mouse model with a mutation in the same gene as involved in USH1B.     

Evaluation of visual impairment in Usher syndrome 1b and Usher syndrome 2a

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual impairment in Usher syndrome 1b (USH1b) and Usher syndrome 2a (USH2a). METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 19 USH1b patients and 40 USH2a patients. Cross-sectional regression analyses of the functional acuity score (FAS), functional field score (FFS) and functional vision score (FVS) related to age were performed. Statistical tests relating to regression lines and Student's t-test were used to compare between (sub)groups of patients. Parts of the available individual longitudinal data were used to obtain individual estimates of progressive deterioration and compare these to those obtained with cross-sectional analysis. Results were compared between subgroups of USH2a patients pertaining to combinations of different types of mutations. RESULTS: Cross-sectional analyses revealed significant deterioration of the FAS (0.7% per year), FFS (1.0% per year) and FVS (1.5% per year) with advancing age in both patient groups, without a significant difference between the USH1b and USH2a patients. Individual estimates of the deterioration rates were substantially and significantly higher than the cross-sectional estimates in some USH2a cases, including values of about 5% per year (or even higher) for the FAS (age 35-50 years), 3-4% per year for the FFS and 4-5% per year for the FVS (age > 20 years). There was no difference in functional vision score behaviour detected between subgroups of patients pertaining to different biallelic combinations of specific types of mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The FAS, FFS and FVS deteriorated significantly by 0.7-1.5% per year according to cross-sectional linear regression analysis in both USH1b and USH2a patients. Higher deterioration rates (3-5% per year) in any of these scores were attained, according to longitudinal data collected from individual USH2a patients. Score behaviour was similar across the patient groups and across different biallelic combinations of various types of mutations. However, more elaborate studies, preferably covering longitudinal data, are needed to obtain conclusive evidence.     

Evaluation of the myosin VIIA gene and visual function in patients with Usher syndrome type I

Usher syndrome type I (USH1) is a recessively-inherited disorder consisting of retinitis pigmentosa, profound congenital deafness, and vestibular ataxia. It can be caused by mutations in at least six different loci (USH1A-1F). The gene encoding human myosin VIIA (MYO7A) is the USH1B locus. In this study, 66 unrelated patients with USH1 were evaluated for defects in MYO7A using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct genomic sequencing. Twenty-nine per cent of cases were found to have likely pathogenic MYO7A mutations. A total of 22 likely pathogenic changes were identified, 18 of which were novel. Cosegregation analysis of mutations in five available families showed that the MYO7A changes segregated with the disease in an autosomal recessive fashion. Average visual function as measured by visual acuity, visual field area, and ERG amplitude was not significantly different between the group of patients with likely pathogenic MYO7A changes and the group in which no likely pathogenic MYO7A changes were detected.     

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.     

Identification of two novel compound heterozygous mutations of ADGRV1 in a Chinese family with Usher syndrome type IIC

Background:To describe the clinical and genetic findings in a Chinese family with three sibs diagnosed with Usher syndrome type IIC.

Materials and Methods: Four members received ophthalmic and otologic tests to ascertain the clinical characteristics. According to the clinical phenotype, we focused attention on a total of 658 genes associated with them. We screened the possible pathogenic mutation sites, used Sanger to exclude the false positive and verified whether there were co-segregated among the family members. Results:Typical fundus features found in the proband supported the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Audiometric test indicated moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impairment while the vestibular function was normal. Whole-exome sequencing identified the presence of two novel compound heterozygous mutations in ADGRV1, a known gene responsible for Usher syndrome type IIC. Mutationc.15008delG/p.Gly5003AlafsTer13 was inherited from the mother while c.18383_18386dupACAG/p.His6130GlnfsTer84 was inherited from the father, and they were co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family. Conclusions: The mutations found in our study not only broaden the mutation spectrum of ADGRV1, but also provide assistances for future genetic diagnosis and treatment for Usher syndrome patients.     

东北地区原发性闭角型青光眼家系PITX2基因和FOXC1基因突变筛查

目的通过分子遗传学研究筛查原发性闭角型青光眼家系PITX2基因和FOXC1基因突变情况。设计实验研究。研究对象东北地区原发性闭角型青光眼4个家系13例患者和24例健康成员。方法应用聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增PITX2基因和FOXC1基因所有编码外显子,直接测序法筛查致病突变。主要指标PITX2基因、FOXC1基因序列。结果所分析的4个家系13例患者基因组DNA中均未检测到PITX2基因、FOXC1基因突变。结论 PITX2基因和FOXC1基因不是中国东北地区该原发性闭角型青光眼家系的致病病因。