CRB1: One Gene,Many Phenotypes

Abstract

Mutations in the CRB1 gene cause severe retinal degenerations, which may present as Leber congenital amaurosis, early onset retinal dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, or cone-rod dystrophy. Some clinical features should alert the ophthalmologist to the possibility of CRB1 disease. These features are nummular pigmentation of the retina, atrophic macula, retinal degeneration associated with Coats disease, and a unique form of retinitis pigmentosa named para-arteriolar preservation of the retinal pigment epithelium (PPRPE). Retinal degenerations associated with nanophthalmos and hyperopia, or with keratoconus, can serve as further clinical cues to mutations in CRB1. Despite this, no clear genotype-phenotype relationship has been established in CRB1 disease. In CRB1-disease, as in other inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), it is essential to diagnose the specific disease-causing gene for the disease as genetic therapy has progressed considerably in the last few years and might be applicable.     

RPGRIP1 is Mutated in Leber Congenital Amaurosis: A Mini-Review

Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is the commonest identifiable cause of open-angle glaucoma worldwide. PEX is characterized clinically by small whitish deposits of fibrillar-granular material in the anterior segment of the eye. Despite its prevalence and potential for ophthalmic morbidity, surprisingly little is known about the etiology and pathogenesis of PEX. This article reviews the literature and presents evidence regarding genetic and nongenetic arguments for the etiology of pseudoexfoliation. Lines of evidence that support a genetic basis for PEX include transmission in two-generation families, twin studies, an increased risk of PEX in relatives of affected patients, and HLA studies. Nearly all pedigrees in the literature, and our own experience with PEX families in Iceland and Canada, suggest maternal transmission, raising the possibilities of mitochondrial inheritance, X-linked inheritance, and autosomal inheritance with genomic imprinting. A number of nongenetic factors have also been evaluated for their possible implication in the development of PEX. These include ultraviolet light, autoimmunity, slow virus infection, and trauma. It is possible that a combination of genetic and nongenetic factors may be involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of PEX, i.e. it may be a multifactorial disorder. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to delineate more clearly the contribution of genetic (nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA or both) and nongenetic factors to the development of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.     

A G1103R Mutation in CRB1 is Co-Inherited with High Hyperopia and Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Purpose: To identify the genetic basis of recessive inheritance of high hyperopia and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in a family of Middle Eastern origin. Materials and methods: The patients were examined using standard ophthalmic techniques. DNA samples were obtained and genetic linkage was carried out using polymorphic markers flanking the known genes and loci for LCA. Exons were amplified and sequenced. Results: All four members of this family affected by LCA showed high to extreme hyperopia, with average spherical refractive errors ranging from +5.00 to +10.00. Linkage was obtained to 1q31.3 with a maximal LOD score of 5.20 and a mutation found in exon 9 of the CRB1 gene, causing a G1103R substitution at a highly conserved site in the protein. CRB1 is a vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila crumbs gene, which is required for photoreceptor morphogenesis, and has been associated with either retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or LCA. This sequence variant has previously been reported as a compound heterozygote in one sporadic LCA patient. Conclusion: Although hyperopia has been associated with LCA, it is typically moderate and variable between patients with the same mutation. In addition, some CRB1 mutations can be associated with either RP or LCA. We have shown that hyperopia and LCA are linked to the mutant CRB1 gene itself and are not dependent on unlinked modifiers.     

Leber先天性黑蒙临床与GUCY2D基因突变分析

目的 分析Leber先天性黑蒙的临床特点及其候选基因变异情况。方法 连续收集分析27例年龄4mo-18a的Leber先天性黑蒙先证者临床资料,应用PCR-异源双链-SSCP法分析GUCY2D基因外显子2和8,寻找可能的变异结果 27例患者均在2a以内出现视力差或对光、物体无反应,最最好视力小于0.1。症状年龄21例在3mo内,27例均有眼球震颤（其中15例为眼球扫视运动）,22例有眼底异常,5例眼底未见异常,3例有家族史并呈常染色体隐性遗传,ERG锥杆反应重度下降或记录不到波,未发现GUCY2D基因突变。结论 Leber先天 性黑蒙临床表现多样,诊断有赖于ERG。本组病例可能与GUCY2D外显子2、8突变无关。     

Leber先天性黑矇六家系临床表现和遗传分析

目的:观察分析Leber先天性黑矇（LCA）致病基因类型及临床表型特征。方法:回顾性临床研究。基因检测确诊的LCA患者6例及其家系成员18名纳入研究。患者分别来自6个无血缘关系家系。采集所有受检者外周静脉血,提取全基因组DNA。应用包含463个致病基因的遗传眼病捕获芯片进行靶向捕获富集高通量测序,对 TUL...     

利用目标区域捕获测序筛查Leber先天性黑矇的致病基因及其临床表型

目的探讨我国一个散发的Leber先天性黑矇（LCA）家系的致病基因变异位点及其临床表型。方法实验研究。收集嘉兴市妇幼保健院一个散发LCA家系共7名家庭成员的临床资料,其中1名LCA患者,6名正常家属。完善该家系内所有成员的眼科检查,采集该家系成员的外周静脉血,提取基因组DNA,运用目标区域捕获测序技术来筛查患者的283个视网膜疾病相关的基因,测序结果运用生物信息学分析得到候选基因,最后用Sanger测序验证。结果临床检查结果表明患者呈现典型的LCA临床症状。遗传学筛查结果证实患者在NMNAT1基因上存在2个复合杂合变异和1个纯合变异：具体为杂合的错义变异（c.634G>A,p.V212M）,杂合的内含子变异（c.-57+7T>G）和纯合的错义变异（c.764G>A,p.S255N）。结论本例患者的NMNAT1基因上存在3个不同的变异,很可能是导致其患有Leber 先天性黑矇的原因。     

RPGRIP1基因新突变致Leber先天性黑矇一家系

目的确定1个汉族Leber先天性黑矇(LCA)家系的致病基因突变。方法回顾性研究。2018年10月在河南省立眼科医院就诊的LCA一家系1例患者和3名家系成员纳入研究。详细询问患者病史并行物体注视性质、追随试验、裂隙灯显微镜、散瞳验光、眼底照相及全视野ERG检查;家系成员行BCVA、裂隙灯显微镜联合前置镜、验光、眼底照相及全视野ERG检查。采集先证者及其兄长、父母的外周静脉血5 ml,提取全基因组DNA。应用包含441个致病基因的遗传眼病捕获芯片进行靶向捕获富集高通量测序以获得致病基因及突变。对可疑致病突变位点通过Sanger进行验证,并行生物信息学分析确定基因突变位点的致病性。结果患者表现为自幼不追物但有明显畏光和眼球震颤;双眼眼前节及眼底无异常;全视野ERG检查可见双眼视锥、视杆系统功能严重下降。基因检测结果显示,患者RPGRIP1基因存在c.1635dupA和c.3565C>T两个突变。其中,RPGRIP1 c.1635dupA为新发突变。RPGRIP1基因c.1635dupA和c.3565C>T构成复合杂合突变。生物信息学分析结果显示,c.3565C>T为致病突变,c.1635dupA为可能致病突变。结论RPGRIP1基因新发突变c.1635dupA与c.3565C>T构成复合杂合突变可能是本家系的致病原因。     

A high prevalence of biallelic RPE65 mutations in Costa Rican children with Leber congenital amaurosis and early-onset retinal dystrophy

Background: Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early-onset retinal dystrophy (EORD), are primary causes of inherited childhood blindness. Both are autosomal recessive diseases, with mutations in more than 25 genes explaining approximately ~70% of cases. However, the genetic cause for many cases remains unclear. Sequencing studies from genetically isolated populations with increased prevalence of a disorder has proven useful for rare variant studies, making Costa Rica an ideal place to study LCA/EORD genetics.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight affected children (25 LCA, three EORD) and their immediate family members, totaling 52 individuals (30 affected) from 22 families, were sequenced. Whole exome sequencing was performed on all affected individuals. Available parents were analyzed either by whole exome sequencing (WES) or Sanger sequencing to determine transmission.

Results: All affected individuals demonstrated compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in known Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) associated genes. Twelve variants were identified in at least one individual in three genes, RDH12, RPE65, and USH2A. Four recurrent RPE65 mutations were observed in 97% of individuals and 95% of families. All patients with LCA and two of the three individuals with EORD had biallelic mutations in RPE65; one child with EORD had a homozygous RDH12 mutation.

Conclusions: These data suggest that the majority of LCA/EORD in Costa Rica is due to four founder mutations in RPE65 which have been maintained in this genetically isolated population. This finding is of great clinical significance due to the availability of gene therapy recently approved in the US and European Union for patients with biallelic RPE65 defects.     

Efficacy of topical brinzolamide in children with retinal dystrophies

ABSTRACT

Background: Inherited retinal dystrophies are a leading cause of irreversible blindness in children in the United States. Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have improved central vision and cystoid macular edema in patients with retinal dystrophies, but few studies have assessed their efficacy in children.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed with Institutional Review Board approval to identify pediatric patients with inherited retinal dystrophies who received topical brinzolamide at a single university center between 2008 and 2015. Serial visual acuity and central macular thicknesses were compared to assess the efficacy of brinzolamide.

Results: Seven subjects were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Four had juvenile X-linked retinoschisis, two had retinitis pigmentosa, and one had Leber congenital amaurosis. All were prescribed brinzolamide thrice daily; however, one patient was completely non-compliant. Four of the six treated patients exhibited a mild decrease in central macular thickness in both eyes during the study with all six treated patients having significantly improved vision at the first endpoint, 33.2 ± 8.2 months after treatment initiation. For treated patients, average visual acuity (LogMAR) ± standard error of the mean improved from 0.5 ± 0.04 pre-treatment to 0.3 ± 0.1 at the second endpoint, 50.2 ± 7.3 months after treatment initiation.

Conclusions: Mild anatomic improvement of macular cysts was seen in pediatric patients using brinzolamide. Visual acuity improvement occurred even without significant reduction in macular cysts. Further studies are needed to determine whether the beneficial effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are sustained in children with inherited retinal degenerations.     

Analysis of three genes in Leber congenital amaurosis in Indonesian patients

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency, the pattern of disease causing mutations, and phenotypic variations in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) from Indonesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one unrelated index cases with a clinical diagnosis of LCA were screened for mutations in the coding sequence of RetGC1, RPE65 and AIPL1 gene with single strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by direct sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: Four novel disease causing mutations were identified: Three in the RPE65 gene (106del9bp, G32V and Y435C) in two of 21 index cases and one in the AIPL1 (K14E). Two of them were homozygous and one was compound-heterozygous. No disease causing mutation was identified in RetGC1. CONCLUSIONS: The four novel disease causing mutations identified in this study confirmed the diagnosis of LCA which has not been recognized before in Indonesia. The frequency of RPE65 mutations was 9.5%; and of AIPL1 mutations 4.8%. This was in general accordance with previous studies reported from other countries. Unlike in those studies, no disease causing RetGC1 mutations could be identified in our patients. Phenotypically, the RPE65 and AIPL1 mutations identified in this study caused nearly total blindness by the second decade of life, but had a different onset of symptoms. The patients with the RPE65 mutations retained some useful visual function until the end of the first decade, which progressed to total blindness during the second decade of life, whereas the (homozygous) AIPL1 mutation was associated with nearly total blindness from infancy on. Therefore, RPE65 mutations have to be considered to cause early onset severe retinal degeneration (EOSRD), and AIPL1 mutations a form of LCA.     

An overview of Leber congenital amaurosis: a model to understand human retinal development

Leber congenital amaurosis is a congenital retinal dystrophy described almost 150 years ago. Today, Leber congenital amaurosis is proving instrumental in our understanding of the molecular events that determine normal and aberrant retinal development. Six genes have been shown to be mutated in Leber congenital amaurosis, and they participate in a wide variety of retinal pathways: retinoid metabolism (RPE65), phototransduction (GUCY2D), photoreceptor outer segment development (CRX), disk morphogenesis (RPGRIP1), zonula adherens formation (CRB1), and cell-cycle progression (AIPL1). Longitudinal studies of visual performance show that most Leber congenital amaurosis patients remain stable, some deteriorate, and rare cases exhibit improvements. Histopathological analyses reveal that most cases have extensive degenerative retinal changes, some have an entirely normal retinal architecture, whereas others have primitive, poorly developed retinas. Animal models of Leber congenital amaurosis have greatly added to understanding the impact of the genetic defects on retinal cell death, and response to rescue. Gene therapy for RPE65 deficient dogs partially restored sight, and provides the first real hope of treatment for this devastating blinding condition.     

家族性腺瘤性息肉病患者中先天性视网膜色素上皮肥厚的FFA研究

目的:研究家族性腺瘤性息肉病(familial adenomatous polyposis,FAP)患者中双眼多灶性先天性视网膜色素上皮肥厚(congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium,CHRPE)患者的眼底荧光素血管造影(fundus fluoresceinangiography,FFA)的特点。方法:我们对22例有65处CHRPE病灶的FAP患者前瞻性进行FFA和眼底检查。结果:发现86%CHRPE病损面积>0.5个视盘直径,74%的CHRPE病变接近视网膜血管,视网膜血管有以下变化:46%CHRPE病变中出现毛细血管无灌注区,8%穿过病灶的视网膜血管部分阻塞,6%出现脉络膜视网膜吻合支,3%病变有毛细血管微血管瘤,5%可观察到脉络膜毛细血管,20%的脉络膜毛细血管出现在脱色素边缘晕环中。约10%的CHRPE病变眼底检查未发现,只能通过FFA观测到。结论:虽然通过眼底检查能诊断CHRPE,但有些病变仍需通过FFA确诊,其对此病变仍是非常有用的诊断方法。     

Long-term visual outcome of pigment epithelial tears in association with anti-VEGF therapy of pigment epithelial detachment in AMD

Purpose

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears may develop as a complication after anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment for pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This retrospective study analyses best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal involvement after RPE tears that are associated with anti-VEGF therapy due to PED in exudative AMD.

Methods

A total of 37 patients with RPE tears during anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab 12, ranibizumab 21 and pegaptanib 4 eyes) for progressive PED in AMD (PED with occult choroidal neovascularization 25 eyes and PED with retinal angiomatous proliferation 12 eyes) were included in this study. We analyzed BCVA and different morphologic aspects by means of appearance on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Mean follow-up was 88 weeks.

Results

RPE tears were diagnosed a mean of 56 days after the first injection. BCVA deteriorated after RPE tear and during follow-up significantly (P<0.001), with 53.2% of eyes being legally blind (WHO, world health organization) at 12 months. RPE-free foveal area, foveal wrinkling of the RPE, and fibrotic scar development were significantly associated with worse visual acuity.

Discussion

RPE tears can be observed in 12–15% of treated eyes during anti-VEGF therapy for PED in exudative AMD. Owing to the close time relationship with the therapy, this complication must be taken into consideration. Visual prognosis is associated with a decrease in vision in the long term, often resulting in a severe visual disability. Relevant factors for a negative visual prognosis were the potential foveal involvement of the central RPE and morphologic fibrovascular transformation of the RPE tear.     

Documentation of Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium with Wide-Field Funduscopy

Background: Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) are rare hyperpigmented fundus lesions of the peripheral retina.

Methods: We evaluated CHRPE with the Optomap wide-field fundus camera.

Results: The pattern, location, and extension of the pigmented lesion were compared between the wide-field and composed digital fundus camera. The wide-field image had the same angle of the fundus image, magnification as well homogenious illumination of the entire fundus. Superimposed pattern of the lesions extended from the margin of the optic disk and radiated in sectors to the fundus periphery. Smaller lesion clusters were mainly located near the optic disk, whereas larger lesions were found in the periphery.

Conclusion: The sectorial pigmentations on the ocular fundus may reflect the stream, outgrowth and migration of RPE-cells during embryogenesis.     

Mutation analysis of FBN1 gene in two Chinese families with congenital ectopia lentis in northern China

AIM: To summarize the phenotypes and identify the underlying genetic cause of the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene responsible for congenital ectopia lentis (EL) in two Chinese families in northern China. METHODS: A detailed family history and clinical data from all participants were collected by clinical examination. The candidate genes were captured and sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing, and the results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Haplotyping was used to confirm the mutation sequence. Real-time PCR was used to determine the FBN1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in patients with EL and in unaffected family members. RESULTS: The probands and other patients in the two families were affected with congenital isolated EL. A heterozygous FBN1 mutation in exon 21 (c.2420_IVS20-8 delTCTGAAACAinsCGAAAG) was identified in FAMILY-1. A heterozygous FBN1 mutation in exon 14 (c.1633C>T, p.R545C) was identified in FAMILY-2. Each mutation co-segregated with the affected individuals in the family and did not exist in unaffected family members and 200 unrelated normal controls. CONCLUSION: The insertion-deletion mutation (c.2420 IVS20-8delTCTGAAACA insCGAAAG) in the FBN1 gene is first identified in isolated EL. The mutation (c.1633C>T) in the FBN1 gene was a known mutation in EL patient. The variable phenotypes among the patients expand the phenotypic spectrum of EL in a different ethnic background.     

先天性白内障一家系全基因组扫描基因定位及候选基因序列分析

目的应用全基因组扫描、连锁分析的方法对常染色体显性遗传性先天性白内障（ADCC）一家系进行基因定位、寻找候选基因并进行突变筛查。方法提取该家系成员外周血DNA,进行全基因组扫描。在ABI 3130-avant全自动遗传分析仪上读取370对微卫星标记物的等位基因片段大小,并采用Genescan 3.1和Genotyper 2.0软件进行两点法计算LOD值并构建单体型。根据连锁分析的结果,对该区域内在晶状体中呈高表达,且对维持晶状体纤维细胞的分化状态起重要作用的基因-BFSP1进行直接的序列分析。结果该家系的致病基因位于20p12-20p11.2的13.96 cm区域内。在该区域内的基因-BFSP1全部外显子及外显子与内含子交界处均未发现任何突变。结论首次将一常染色体显性遗传绕核型先天性白内障家系的致病基因定位于20p12-20p11.2的13.96 cm区域内。     

Role of home monitoring with iCare ONE rebound tonometer in glaucoma patients management

AIM: To evaluate intraocular pressure(IOP) measurements and fluctuations using the i Care ONE rebound tonometer(RT-ONE), during home monitoring, in diagnosed and suspected glaucoma patients.METHODS: A retrospective case series of consecutive patients with known glaucoma or glaucoma suspects who were followed-up and treated between January 2016 and January 2017. The study included 80 eyes of 40 patients with a mean age of 59.1±14.6 y(range, 24-78). All patients have undergone 4-5 d of IOP home monitoring with RT-ONE at morning, noon, afternoon, and night time.RESULTS: Baseline mean IOP, as measured in the clinic(8 a.m.-12 p.m.), was 17.4±5.1 mm Hg, compared to RT-ONE home monitoring mean IOP of 15.6±4.1 mm Hg(P=0.002). Mean IOP was significantly lower at noon, afternoon and night times compared to clinic measured IOP and morning measurements(P=0.005). IOP peak measured during home monitoring was significantly higher compared to the clinic measured IOP(21.3±5.6 mm Hg and 17.4±5.1 mm Hg, P<0.001). IOP peaks during home monitoring demonstrated a majority of 47 peaks during morning measurements, compared to 23 at noon, 19 at afternoon and only 12 at night(P<0.001). The home monitoring results led to treatment modification of 44 eyes(55%), treatment regime was insufficient for 40(50%) eyes.CONCLUSION: Home monitoring IOP with RT-ONE can provide good assessment of mean IOP, IOP fluctuations and peaks throughout the hours of the day, which lead to an accurate treatment for glaucoma patients.