A new betaA1-crystallin splice junction mutation in autosomal dominant cataract

PURPOSE: To map the locus for autosomal dominant cataracts (ADCs) in a Brazilian family using candidate gene linkage analyses, describe the clinical variability, and identify potential mutations in the human betaA1-crystallin gene (CRYBA1), a candidate gene identified through linkage studies demonstrating cosegregation with markers on chromosome 17. METHODS: Members of a Brazilian family with ADC were studied. Clinical examinations and linkage analyses with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) polymorphisms of 22 anonymous markers and 2 within the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene were performed; two-point lod scores were calculated. DNA sequences of all 6 exons and 12 exon-intron boundaries of the betaA1-crystallin gene, a proximal candidate gene mapped to 17q11.1-q12 in one unaffected and two affected individuals, were screened and new variants assessed for cosegregation with the disease. RESULTS: Affected individuals exhibited variable expressivity of pulverulent opacities in the embryonal nucleus and sutures; star-shaped, shieldlike, or radial opacities in the posterior embryonal nucleus; and/or midcortical opacities. All known loci for ADC in this family on chromosomes 1 and 13 were excluded. A positive lod score on chromosome 17 was calculated. This ADC locus was mapped to two potential regions on the long arm with an intervening recombination. The only known candidate gene in these regions was betaA1-crystallin. Three previously unreported single nucleotide variants were found in this gene, one in the donor splice junction site of intron C. This variant was found in all affected members and is presumed to be the causative mutation. CONCLUSIONS: An ADC locus was mapped in a Brazilian family with variable expressivity to either 17q23.1-23.2 or 17q11.1-12 based on linkage analyses. Analyses of DNA sequences of the betaA1-crystallin gene in this family revealed three new variants, one of which is within a donor splice junction and cosegregates with affected members.     

A new locus for autosomal dominant cataract on chromosome 12q13

PURPOSE: To map the gene for autosomal dominant cataracts (ADC) in an American white family of European descent. METHODS: Ophthalmic examinations and linkage analyses using a variety of polymorphisms were performed; two-point lod scores calculated. RESULTS: Affected individuals (14 studied) exhibited variable expressivity of embryonal nuclear opacities based on morphology, location within the lens, and density. This ADC locus to 12q13 was mapped on the basis of statistically significantly positive lod scores and no recombinations (theta(m) = theta(f) = 0) with markers D12S368, D12S270, D12S96, D12S359, D12S1586, D12S312, D12S1632, D12S90, and D12S83; assuming full penetrance, a maximum lod score of 4.73 was calculated between the disease locus and D12S90. CONCLUSIONS: The disease in this family represents the first ADC locus on chromosome 12; major intrinsic protein of lens fiber (MIP) is a candidate gene.     

Identification of a CRYAB mutation associated with autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract in a Chinese family

PURPOSE: A four-generation Chinese family with 13 members affected with autosomal dominant congenital posterior polar cataract was studied. The purpose of this study was to identify the disease-causing gene in the family and to validate that mutations in CRYAB, the alphaB-crystallin gene, cause the congenital cataract. METHODS: Linkage analysis was performed with a panel of microsatellite markers flanking candidate genetic loci for cataracts, including 14 known autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) genes. For mutation analysis, the complete coding region and exon-intron boundaries of CRYAB were sequenced with DNA from the proband. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis for exon 1 of CRYAB was performed in all family members and 200 normal control subjects. RESULTS: The disease gene in the Chinese family was mapped to chromosome 11 in region q22-22.3 with a maximum lod score of 4.52. Direct DNA sequence of CRYAB revealed a heterozygous C-->T transition at nucleotide 58, resulting in a novel 58 C-->T (Pro20Ser) mutation. The Pro20Ser mutation cosegregated with all affected individuals and was not present in unaffected members in the family or in 200 normal control subjects. The mutation occurs at the evolutionarily conserved residue Pro20 in the N-terminal region of alphaB-crystallin. CONCLUSIONS: To date, only one CRYAB mutation has been associated with congenital isolated cataract. This study identified a second novel mutation in CRYAB in a large Chinese cataract family. Together, these results provide strong evidence that CRYAB is a pathogenic gene for congenital cataract.     

Two-stage genome-wide linkage scan in keratoconus sib pair families

PURPOSE: To identify susceptibility gene loci for keratoconus. METHODS: A genome-wide linkage analysis was performed with data from 67 keratoconus sib pair families with 110 affected sib pairs of white or Hispanic origin. A total of 351 subjects were genotyped for 380 microsatellite markers along the genome at approximately 10-cM density. An additional 58 microsatellite markers at approximately 2-cM density in the identified linkage regions on chromosomes 4, 5, 9, 12, and 14 were also genotyped. Multipoint linkage analysis was performed in all pedigrees by nonparametric methods and maximum likelihood estimates of identity by descent sharing as implemented in GeneHunter (http://linkage.rockefeller.edu/soft/gh/ provided in the public domain by Rockefeller University, New York, NY). RESULTS: The strongest evidence of linkage was observed at the telomere (159 cM) of chromosome 9 (lod = 4.5) in all pedigrees. Other regions suggestive of linkage were identified at 176 cM of chromosome 4 (lod = 2.7), 143 cM of chromosome 5 (lod = 2.0), 7 cM of chromosome 9 (lod = 2.8), 12 cM of chromosome 11 (lod = 2.3), 27 cM of chromosome 12 (lod = 2.3), and 14 cM of chromosome 14 (lod = 2.9). Two significant linkage regions were also observed on chromosomes 17 at 86 cM (lod = 3.9) and 9 at 34 cM (lod = 3.8) in the Hispanic subjects only. After fine mapping these regions (with the exception of chromosomes 11 and 17), most linkage peaks remained similar (lod = 2.2 at 176 cM on chromosome 4; lod = 1.7 at 146 cM on chromosome 5; lod = 3.5 at 160 cM on chromosome 9; lod = 2.5 at 7 cM on chromosome 12; and lod = 2.6 at 19 cM on chromosome 14). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that one or more loci may contribute to keratoconus susceptibility.     

Identification and genotype phenotype correlation of novel mutations in SIX6 gene in primary open angle glaucoma

Background: Recently SIX1 and SIX6 genes have been associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This study was planned to do mutation screening in SIX1 and SIX6 genes in North Indian POAG patients and correlate with clinical phenotypes.

Materials and Methods: SIX1 and SIX6 genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced in 115 POAG cases and 105 controls. Four pathogenecity prediction tools (MutationTaster, PolyPhen-2 HumDiv, PolyPhen-2 HumVar and SIFT) were used to predict the pathogenicity of the missense mutations. Protein modeling studies were done to predict the effect of the missense mutations on the protein structure and function.

Results: Two novel mutations p.R116G and p.R116E were observed in the SIX6 gene of patients with POAG. The mutations p.R116G and p.R116E were predicted to be pathogenic and replacement of R116 by G or E might lead to loss of interaction between DNA and R116 of wild type SIX6 protein. The patients with the mutation p.R116E had significantly more visual field damage (MD) and early age of onset of the disease. No sequence variations were observed in the SIX1 gene.

Conclusion: These results expand the mutation spectrum of SIX6 gene and suggest that SIX6 gene plays an important role in POAG pathogenesis.     

Novel single-base deletional mutation in major intrinsic protein (MIP) in autosomal dominant cataract

PURPOSE: To further elucidate the cataract phenotype, and identify the gene and mutation for autosomal dominant cataract (ADC) in an American family of European descent (ADC2) by sequencing the major intrinsic protein gene (MIP), a candidate based on linkage to chromosome 12q13. DESIGN: Observational case series and laboratory experimental study. METHODS: We examined two at-risk individuals in ADC2. We PCR-amplified and sequenced all four exons and all intron-exon boundaries of the MIP gene from genomic and cloned DNA in affected members to confirm one variant as the putative mutation. RESULTS: We found a novel single deletion of nucleotide (nt) 3223 (within codon 235) in exon four, causing a frameshift that alters 41 of 45 subsequent amino acids and creates a premature stop codon. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel single base pair deletion in the MIP gene and conclude that it is a pathogenic sequence alteration.     

常染色体显性视网膜色素变性家系的基因连锁定位和候选基因的序列分析

目的对一常染色体显性视网膜色素变性（RP）家系进行致病基因的连锁定位，并对候选基因进行序列分析。方法在家系中进行全基因组扫描以确定与疾病连锁的染色体区域，对该区域附近的候选基因进行直接序列分析。结果此家系致病基因的最小可能区域（MCR）被定位于19号染色体微卫星标记D19S246和D19S601之间不到5厘摩（cM）的区域。对该区域附近的候选基因进行直接序列分析的结果并未发现致病性基因突变。结论CRX（锥杆细胞同源基因）和PRPF3l基因是该家系的非致病性基因，在19号染色体上可能存在导致常染色体显性视网膜色素变性（adRP）的新的致病基因。     

A new locus for autosomal recessive nuclear cataract mapped to chromosome 19q13 in a Pakistani family

PURPOSE: To identify the disease locus of autosomal recessive congenital nuclear cataracts in a consanguineous Pakistani family. METHODS: A large Pakistani family with multiple individuals affected by autosomal recessive congenital cataracts was ascertained. Patients were examined, blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated. A genome-wide scan was performed using 382 polymorphic microsatellite markers on genomic DNA from affected and unaffected family members. Two-point lod scores were calculated, and haplotypes were formed by inspection. RESULTS: In the genome-wide scan, a maximum lod score of 2.89 was obtained for marker D19S414 on 19q13. Fine mapping using D19S931, D19S433, D19S928, D19S225, D19S416, D19S213, D19S425, and D19S220 markers from the Généthon database showed that markers in a 14.3-cM (12.66-Mb) interval flanked by D19S928 and D19S420 cosegregated with the cataract locus. Lack of homozygosity further suggests that the cataract locus may lie in a 7-cM (4.3-Mb) interval flanked by D19S928 proximally and D19S425 distally. On fine mapping, a maximum lod score of 3.09 was obtained with D19S416 at theta = 0. CONCLUSIONS: Linkage analysis identified a new locus for autosomal recessive congenital nuclear cataracts on chromosome 19q13 in a consanguineous Pakistani family.     

The molecular genetics of color blindness]

The gene structures of three color pigments have been reported by Nathans et al. in 1985. One copy of red gene and 1 to 3 copies of green genes are tandemly repeated on X chromosome. As the structures of red and green genes are highly homologous (96%) and tandemly repeated, they cross-over on chromosome during meiosis and hybrid genes were produced. The function of these hybrid genes exhibits abnormal spectrum for red and green light. The 5' portion of the gene determines which cone cell type express the gene and the 3' portion of the gene determines the type of spectrum. In the 3' portion, exon 4 are associated with a small shift of spectrum and exon 5 determines a large shift of spectrum. For example, a hybrid gene with 5' region of red and 3' region of green is expressed in the red cones and exhibits green spectrum. Abnormality of color perception depends on the hybrid ratio of red and green genes.     

Autosomal dominant cataract: intrafamilial phenotypic variability, interocular asymmetry, and variable progression in four Chilean families

PURPOSE: To document intrafamilial and interocular phenotypic variability of autosomal dominant cataract (ADC). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. METHODS: We performed ophthalmologic examination in four Chilean ADC families. RESULTS: The families exhibited variability with respect to morphology, location with the lens, color and density of cataracts among affected members. We documented asymmetry between eyes in the morphology, location within the lens, color and density of cataracts, and a variable rate of progression. CONCLUSIONS: The cataracts in these families exhibit wide intrafamilial and interocular phenotypic variability, supporting the premise that the mutated genes are expressed differentially in individuals and between eyes; other genes or environmental factors may be the bases for this variability. Marked progression among some family members underscores the variable clinical course of a common mutation within a family. Like retinitis pigmentosa, classification of ADC will be most useful if based on the gene and specific mutation.     

A novel locus for autosomal dominant cone and cone-rod dystrophies maps to the 6p gene cluster of retinal dystrophies

PURPOSE: To characterize clinically and genetically a four-generation Italian family with autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy. METHODS: Thirty-seven family members underwent a detailed ophthalmologic investigation, comprising visual acuity determination, fundoscopy, electroretinogram, and electrooculogram. A genome-wide scan was performed, and three candidate genes mapping to the linked region were screened for mutations by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Nineteen individuals were affected by cone-rod dystrophy and four by cone dystrophy, whereas, in another subject, the diagnosis was compatible with central areolar choroidal dystrophy. The genome-wide search allowed mapping the disease locus to chromosome 6, region p12.2-p21.1, with a maximum lod score of 6.71. Analysis of key recombinants in affected individuals placed the locus to a 12-Mb region flanked by newly generated markers 6-41025 and 6-52969. Assuming complete penetrance, recombinations in two healthy individuals defined a smaller critical region of 3.7 Mb between markers 6-42153 and D6S459. Three genes mapping within the linked interval (RDS, GUCA1A, and GUCA1B) were considered excellent candidates because of their involvement in distinct forms of retinal dystrophies. However, mutation analyses of these genes failed to identify pathogenetic mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The significant lod scores obtained and the absence of mutations in RDS, GUCA1A, and GUCA1B support the existence of a novel, yet unidentified gene responsible for retinal dystrophy within the chromosome 6 cluster.     

Absence of SIX6 mutations in microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma

PURPOSE: To investigate whether 173 patients with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma have mutations in the eye-development gene SIX6. METHODS: The two exons of the SIX6 gene were amplified by PCR from patients' genomic DNA and directly sequenced to search for mutations. The PCR products of 75 patients were also analyzed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). RESULTS: Six SIX6 polymorphisms were identified in the patient panel. Three of these polymorphisms change the encoded amino acid. However, all six polymorphisms were also identified in unaffected individuals. There was no statistically significant difference in genotypes between patients and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found that SIX6 mutations underlie human congenital structural eye malformations.     

A large GLC1C Greek family with a myocilin T377M mutation: inheritance and phenotypic variability

PURPOSE: POAG is a complex disease; therefore, families in which a glaucoma gene has been mapped may carry additional POAG genes. The goal of this study was to determine whether mutations in the myocilin (MYOC) gene on chromosome 1 are present in two POAG families, which have previously been mapped to the GLC1C locus on chromosome 3. METHODS: The three exons of MYOC were screened by denaturing (d)HPLC. Samples with heteroduplex peaks were sequenced. Clinical findings were compared with genotype status in all available family members over the age of 20 years. RESULTS: A T377M coding sequence change in MYOC was identified in family members of the Greek GLC1C family but not in the Oregon GLC1C family. Individuals carrying both the MYOC T377M variant and the GLC1C haplotype were more severely affected at an earlier age than individuals with just one of the POAG genes, suggesting that these two genes interact or that both contribute to the POAG phenotype in a cumulative way.     

常染色体显性视网膜色素变性一家系基因排除定位研究

目的对1个四代常染色体显性视网膜色素变性(autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa，ADRP)家系在包含已知ADRP致病基因的全部9条染色体上进行基因连锁定位。方法对家系中的所有患者进行眼科及电生理检查。在家系中对第1、3、6、7、8、11、14、17、19号染色体进行基因扫描、基因型分析及连锁分析。结果在全部9条染色体范围内未发现微卫星位点与该家系疾病表型共分离，最大lod score小于-2。结论此家系中排除了目前已知的所有ADRP位点，此家系中应存在新的ADRP连锁位点位于上述9条染色体之外。     

Mutations in betaB3-crystallin associated with autosomal recessive cataract in two Pakistani families

PURPOSE: To identify the disease locus for autosomal recessive congenital cataracts in consanguineous Pakistani families. METHODS: Two Pakistani families were ascertained, patients were examined, blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated. A genome-wide scan was performed using >382 polymorphic microsatellite markers on genomic DNA from affected and unaffected family members. Two-point lod scores were calculated, haplotypes were formed by inspection, and candidate genes were sequenced. Real-time quantitative PCR techniques were used to determine the mRNA levels, and molecular modeling was performed to gain a better understanding of the significance of the disease-causing mutation. RESULTS: In the genome-wide scan, maximum lod scores of 2.67 and 2.77 for family 60004 and 2.02 and 2.04 for family 60006 were obtained for markers D22S539 and D22S315, respectively. The linked region, 22.7 cM (10 Mb) flanked by markers D22S420 and D22S1163, contains the beta-crystallin gene cluster including the genes CRYBA4, CRYBB1, CRYBB2, and CRYBB3. Sequencing of these genes showed a G-->C transition in exon 6 of CRYBB3 resulting in a p.G165R change in the betaB3-crystallin protein that cosegregates with the disease in both families. Real-time PCR analysis suggested that betaB3-crystallin mRNA levels approximate those of other betagamma-crystallins. Molecular modeling predicted changes in electrostatic potential that would be expected to reduce the stability of the fourth Greek-key motif, and hence the entire protein, dramatically. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, a mutation in CRYBB3 is reported in two consanguineous Pakistani families with autosomal recessive congenital cataracts.     

Genetic heterogeneity in Hispanic families with autosomal dominant juvenile glaucoma

A gene for autosomal dominant, juvenile-onset, primary open angle glaucoma (glcia) has been previously mapped to Iq21-31 in several Caucasian pedigrees. We studied two Hispanic families with this disease to determine if their disease genes also map to this region. Individuals were considered as being affected if they had iop > 30 mmHg (without treatment) and glaucomatous optic nerve damage or visual field defects. Persons older than 40 years with intraocular pressures 21 mmHg and no evidence of optic nerve damage or visual field loss were scored as unaffected. Individuals not falling into these two categories were considered unknown. Genomic dna was extracted from blood samples and subjected to PCR-based microsatellite marker analysis. Computer-based linkage analysis was used to determine if the disease gene mapped to chromosome Iq21-31. In the family from the Canary Islands, the disease gene was linked to the chromosome Iq21-31 region previously identified by other researchers. Markers D1S212 and D1S218 produced maximum lod scores of 3·38 and 2.99, respectively. In the family from the Balearic Islands, the disease gene was excluded from this region by genetic linkage analysis. Haplotype analysis also excluded the disease gene from chromosome Iq21-31. Our Hispanic families showed genetic heterogeneity with respect to autosomal dominant, juvenile-onset, primary open angle glaucoma.     

中国人Meesmann角膜营养不良家族KRT12基因突变检测分析

目的探讨中国Meesmann角膜营养不良家系的致病相关基因。方法对一具有3代患者的角膜营养不良家系进行详细的临床遗传学诊断,确定遗传方式与遗传特点,然后对该家系成员包括患者和正常人,进行详细的眼科检查,获得血液标本,提取基因组DNA。对已知基因KRT12、KRT3周围标记物D17S800、D17S930、D12S390、D12S96分别进行基因扫描,然后进行连锁分析,计算最大对数优势记分值。对连锁区域内已知基因所有外显子聚合酶链反应（PCR）扩增产物进行直接测序。结果该家系角膜营养不良的遗传方式为常染色体显性遗传,临床诊断为Meesmann角膜营养不良,连锁的染色体微卫星标记物为D17S800和D17S930,分值为2．41（θ=0．00）,与KRT12基因连锁。对全部8个外显子测序后发现该基因第一外显子（exon 1）第419碱基突变（T419A）,其编码的亮氨酸突变为组氨酸（L132H）。结论KRT12基因突变（T419A,L132H）可能是该中国人家系Meesmann角膜营养不良家族发病的分子基础。     

常染色体显性遗传性先天性白内障一家系致病基因的初步定位

目的 初步定位常染色体显性遗传性先天性白内障(ADCC)一家系的致病基因。方法 收集ADCC一家系资料,在已知先天性白内障致病基因和位点附近,选择合适的短串联重复序列多态性标记(STRP),对ADCC一家系进行连锁分析,使用Mlink软件采用对数优势记分法(LOD)计算LOD值。结果 在STRP中,D17S805、D17S1294及D17S1293与致病基因位点连锁的最大LOD值分别为2．03、2．49及2．22(重组率0=0)。结论 该ADCC家系的致病基因初步定位在第17对染色体上;CRYBA1基因为候选基因。（中华眼科杂志,2004,40：824-827)