Connexin 26基因233delC突变与中国人先天性耳聋的研究

目的 :Connexin2 6基因突变是引起常染色体隐性遗传 DFNB1和常染色体显性遗传 DFNA3的遗传基础 ,其中的 35 del G的突变在欧美人 DFNB1耳聋患者中的检出率为 70～ 80 % ,但在中国耳聋人群中未检到该点突变。本文旨在筛选中国人耳聋相关的 Connexin2 6基因的突变热点。方法 :采用 PCR- RFL P筛选 2 19例不同耳聋类型的患者和 5 0例听力正常人的 Connexin 2 6基因 2 33del C的突变 (2 1.5 % )。结果 :2 19例耳聋患者中共发现了 47例 Connexin 2 6基因2 33del C的突变 (2 1.5 % )。在先天性耳聋患者中 2 33del C的突变率为 33% ,遗传性语前聋患者为 2 6 .7%。 5 0例药物性致聋的患者有 10例发生突变。遗传性及散发性进行性感音神经性耳聋和听力正常人未检测到 2 33delc突变。结论 :Connexin2 6基因 2 33del C突变在中国先天性耳聋人群中发生频率较高 ,与欧美人不同。我们的结果表明 ,Connexin2 6基因异常导致耳聋的突变热点具有种族特异性     

Connexin26 and -30 in the Cochlea and their clinical relevance]

INTRODUCTION: Gap junction channels consist of different connexin proteins and play an important role in the physiology of hearing. Connexin26 and connexin30 have been demonstrated in the inner ear by immunohistochemistry and Northern Blot analysis. Mutations in the genes for connexin26 and connexin30 have been described to be responsible for non-syndromic hearing loss. METHODS: We investigated the prevalence of connexin26 and connexin30 mutations in patients with profound hearing loss or deafness by SSCP-analysis and sequencing. RESULTS: 30 connexin26 mutations (22 %) were detected among 134 patients with profound hearing loss or deafness. The most frequent connexin26 mutation 30delG was found in 25 patients. In 5 patients other connexin26 mutations were identified. No connexin30 mutation was found. CONCLUSION: Therefore connexin26 mutations also play an important role for non-syndromic hearing loss in Germany. We propose that every patient with suspected hereditary hearing loss should be screened for a connexin26 mutation.     

国人conneXin 2 6基因突变与先天性感音神经性耳聋的相关性研究

目的探讨国人耳聋人群中connexm26基因的突变频率和位点.方法收集15例有遗传性耳聋家族史的病例和252例散发性先天性耳聋病例血液样本,使用PCR-SSCP方法分析connexin26基因编码区突变.同时采用PSDM和BsBsiYI酶切的方法,直接检测异常connexin26基因35delG的突变.结果检出突变样本46例,其中散发耳聋患者中38例,突变率为15.1%;有家族史的聋儿15例中8例,突变率为53.3%.46例中5份有相似的异常电泳带,PCR产物直接测序,其形式为79位G→A的突变;另外在散发耳聋患者中还发现2例251delT和233delC,PDSM分析未发现有35delG的突变.结论国人先天性耳聋患者中存在着connexin26基因的高突变率,但突变热点与国外报道的不同,推测connexin26基因突变有明显的种族特异性.     

Connexin 26 and connexin 30 mutations in children with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) or gap junction beta 2 gene are the leading cause of hereditary nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Caucasians. The Cx26 coding region of 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss was sequenced to determine the frequency and type of Cx26 mutations in this population. Screening was also performed for a common connexin 30 (Cx30) or gap junction beta 6 mutation (del [GJB6-D13S1830]). Children also underwent audiological testing to determine whether any correlation exists between Cx26 mutations and severity of hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss were screened for Cx26 and Cx30 mutations by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. METHODS: Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers that flank the entire Cx26 coding region. Screening for the 342-kb Cx30 deletion was performed using primers that amplified the breakpoint junction of the deletion. The amplicons were then sequenced in both directions and analyzed for mutations. Audiometric testing, including pure-tone audiometry and auditory evoked brainstem response, was also performed to determine the degree of hearing loss. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 68 children tested had mutations in Cx26 with 35delG being the most prevalent. Ten additional Cx26 mutations were detected including a novel compound heterozygote. Two children were heterozygous for the Cx30 del (GJB6-D13S1830) mutation. CONCLUSION: Cx26 and Cx30 mutations were present in 41.2% of children tested in the study population. Audiometric data supported previous studies demonstrating a greater degree of hearing loss in subjects who are homozygous for the 35delG mutation.     

Audiological features of GJB2 (connexin 26) deafness

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to characterize audiological profiles in patients with GJB2 deafness DESIGN: We screened DNA from 399 individuals with nonsyndromic deafness for mutations in the connexin 26 gene (GJB2) by sequence analysis. A total of 77 (19%) of these deaf individuals were biallelic GJB2 mutations (either homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations) (GJB2 deafness). Using the audiological classification criteria of genetic deafness proposed by the European Workshop on Genetic Hearing Loss, we analyzed audiograms of these patients to characterize audiological features of the GJB2 deafness. In addition, we reviewed audiological data of 411 deafness cases from the literature providing details of audiological data (including 157 with GJB2 deafness). RESULTS: All categories of hearing loss severity were found, with significant differences in the findings from GJB2 cases: 1 (4.5%) of 22 individuals with mild hearing loss, 10 (13.3%) of 75 with moderate loss, 14 (14.9%) of 94 with severe loss, and 52 (25%) of 208 with profound deafness (Chi-square test, 3 df, p = 0.016). 81.6% of patients with GJB2 mutations had severe to profound loss, 18.4% with mild to moderate loss (Chi-square test, p = 0.014). The 235delC mutation was always associated with profound deafness. The main audiogram shapes found were residual/sloping (72.7%) and flat (23.4%). There were no differences in the severity and audiogram shapes of the hearing impairment between homozygous and compound heterozygous GJB2 deafness (Chi-square test, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the probability of finding biallelic GJB2 mutations increases with the severity of hearing loss. Audiograms associated with GJB2 deafness were usually nonspecific. Patients with unknown causes of severe or profound hearing loss should be routinely tested for GJB2 mutations, but due to the variability in hearing loss, individuals with lesser degrees of hearing loss should not be precluded from testing.     

CX26基因在非综合征型耳聋中的产前诊断及早期干预

目的：对非综合征型耳聋家系进行CX26基因的突变检测,对检测出CX26基因突变的家系进行产前诊断并实施早期干预。方法：对来自国内十多个省份的100个非综合征型耳聋家系中的先证者通过聚合酶链反应、单链构像多态性分析以及直接测序法进行CX26基因的突变检测,对确诊为CX26基因所致的遗传性耳聋家系中的一成员在妊娠时通过脐静脉穿刺术抽取脐胎血进行产前诊断及早期干预。结果：①发现CX26基因的致病性突变1种：cDNA编码区233～235位点c的纯合缺失;多态6种：G79A、G109A、A341G、G442A、G506A和T608C;②对一个确诊为CX26基因233~235delC的遗传性聋家系的成员于第2次妊娠时进行产前诊断,发现胎儿具有同种致病性突变。结论：①CX26基因cDNA编码区233～235位点C的杂合缺失不致聋,纯合缺失可导致非综合征型常染色体隐性遗传性聋;②产前诊断和早期干预可预防遗传性聋。这是我国首次确诊携带耳聋致病基因的胎儿并实施早期干预。     

Prevalence of GBJ2 mutations in patients with severe to profound congenital nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Bulgarian population

Objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of Connexin 26 (GJB2) mutation in patients with congenital nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Bulgarian population. Study design is done prospectively. Patient inclusion criteria for this study were diagnosis of congenital nonsyndromic hearing loss, and absence of potential sibling relationships between patients included in the study (anamnestic pedigree for at least three generations). Patients were excluded from the study group if one of the following conditions were present: secondary hearing loss (cytomegalovirus, rubella, meningo-encephalitis, mastoiditis, other infections, posterior fossa tumors, etc.), exposure to drugs or other prenatal or perinatal etiology of deafness, and congenital syndromic hearing loss. Genomic DNA samples from whole blood were tested with sequence analysis for mutations in the coding region of the GJB2. Results state that 51 patients were analyzed for GJB2 mutations. Twenty of the patients (39%) with mutant alleles were homozygous for the c.35delG mutation (c.35delG/c.35delG) and four patients (8%) presented as heterozygotes (c.35delG/WT). In one patient, who carried a heterozygous mutation c.35delG, a second mutation was found—312del114. Additionally, in two other patients were discovered the mutations Trp24X (W24X) and, respectively, Arg127His(R127H), both in heterozygous states. From the whole study group there was only one patient with compound heterozygous genotype—p.Leu90Pro(L90P)/p.Ile121Asn. The latter one has never been reported in the literature so far. In conclusion, this study determines the importance of connexin 26 mutations in Bulgarian children with severe to profound congenital nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss, the prevalence of the different mutation variants and their relationship with the ethnical background of the patients. In addition, we report for the first time a novel mutation in the GJB2 gene.     

Study on mutations in the connexin 26 gene among Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss]

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese and mutations in connexin 26 (Cx 26) gene and to explore the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight individuals from thirty-five pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss, 99 children with sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss and 100 normal adults as control were collected in present studies. The Cx 26 coding sequence was screened by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and analyzed by direct sequencing when SSCP shifts were observed. RESULTS: Five SSCP shifts in 2 pedigrees were observed. Homozygous deletion C at position 233-235 of Cx 26 cDNA, which resulted in frameshift mutation, was found in 2 pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The hot-spot mutations of Cx 26 gene in Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss may be different from other ethnic groups. The 233-235 delC homozygous mutation of Cx 26 cDNA can result in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese population.     

Does universal newborn hearing screening identify all children with GJB2 (Connexin 26) deafness? Penetrance of GJB2 deafness

OBJECTIVE: Deafness is the most common neurosensory defect at birth, and GJB2 (connexin 26) mutations are the most frequent genetic cause of hearing loss in many populations. The hearing loss caused by GJB2 mutations is usually congenital in onset and moderate to profound in degree. Considerable phenotypic variation has been noted however, including two anecdotal cases of apparent non penetrance at birth. The objective of this study is to document nine additional children with two pathogenic GJB2 mutations who had non penetrance of hearing loss at birth. DESIGN: Subjects were identified through a national repository which includes deaf probands ascertained primarily from the United States through the Annual Survey of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Youth conducted at the Research Institute at Gallaudet University. The hearing of each of these children had been screened at birth using standard audiologic techniques. Parents were interviewed and available medical records were reviewed. Testing for GJB2 mutations was performed by PCR and sequencing of the entire coding exon in all nine individuals. RESULTS: Using parent interviews and medical records, we documented that all nine children passed newborn audiologic hearing screening. The age at which the hearing loss was subsequently identified in these nine children ranged from 12-60 mo. Of these nine children, 3 were compound heterozygotes and six were homozygous for the 35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene. CONCLUSION: These nine cases demonstrate that current newborn hearing screening does not identify all infants with two GJB2 mutations. These cases suggest that the frequency of non penetrance at birth is approximately 3.8% or higher. It is important to consider connexin deafness in any child with recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss as well as simplex cases with no history of other affected family members even when the newborn hearing screening results were within the normal range.     

connexin 26基因突变与国人遗传性无综合征耳聋相关性分析

目的分析国人遗传性无综合征耳聋与缝隙连接蛋白26（connexin 26,Cx 26）基因突变相关性,从分子水平探讨该病的发病机理。方法收集国人35个无综合征耳聋家系中138名成员,99例散发的无综合征耳聋患者以及100份健康对照个体的外周血DNA样本共337份;采用聚合酶链反应-单链构像多态性（polymerase chain reaction-single stand conformational     

Hearing impairment in Dutch patients with connexin 26 (GJB2) and connexin 30 (GJB6) mutations

OBJECTIVE: Despite the identification of mutations in the connexin 26 (GJB2) gene as the most common cause of recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss, the pattern of hearing impairment with these mutations remains inconsistent. Recently a deletion encompassing the GJB6 gene was identified and hypothesized to also contribute to hearing loss. We hereby describe the hearing impairment in Dutch patients with biallelic connexin 26 (GJB2) and GJB2+connexin 30 (GJB6) mutations. METHODS: The audiograms of patients who were screened for GJB2 and GJB6 mutations were analysed retrospectively. Standard statistical testing was done for symmetry and shape, while repeated measurement analysis was used to assess the relation between mutation and severity. Progression was also studied via linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 222 hearing-impaired individuals, 35 exhibited sequence variations; of these 19 had audiograms for study. Hearing loss in patients with biallelic "radical" (i.e. deletions, nonsense and splice site) mutations was significantly worse than in the wild type and heterozygotes (SAS proc GENMOD, p=0.013). The presence of at least one missense mutation in compound heterozygotes tends to lead to better hearing thresholds compared to biallelic radical mutations (p=0.08). One patient with the [35delG]+[del(GJB6-D13S1830)] genotype was severely impaired. Non-progressive hearing impairment was demonstrated in five 35delG homozygotes in individual longitudinal analyses. However a patient with the [299A>C]+[416G>A] genotype showed significant threshold progression in the lower frequencies. Findings on asymmetry and shape were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that severity is a function of genotype and its effect on the amino acid sequence. A bigger cohort is required to establish non-progressivity more definitively.     

中国西北地区线粒体DNA12SrRNAA1555G和GJB2基因突变

目的研究mtDNA 12SrRNA A1555G突变和GJB2突变在西北地区非综合征型感音神经性聋患者中的流行情况,探讨GJB2基因与mtDNA A1555G点突变的关系。方法收集本地区221例非综合征感音神经性聋患者的基因组DNA,多聚酶链反应扩增线粒体DNA和GJB2基因目的片断,Alw26Ⅰ限制性内切酶检测A1555G点突变,对酶切阳性病例和全部的GJB2基因的PCR产物进行DNA测序。结果21例患者检出mtDNA 12SrRNA A1555G突变;发现GJB2基因11种序列改变,有44例患者检出GJB2致病突变,235delC占携带致病突变患者的54．54％：在21例A1555G突变患者中,11例为GJB2基因多态改变,9例未检出GJB2基因序列改变,1例为109G→A（V371）突变。结论mDNA 12SrRNA A1555G在这一地区人群中有较高的发生频率．235delC是本地区GJB2基因突变的主要形式,GJB2基因突变不是mtDNA A1555G突变致聋的主要修饰因素。     

Connexin 26 mutations in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive hearing loss: speech and hearing rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment, with approximately one infant/1000 born with profound congenital deafness. A pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment poses a substantial problem as it negatively impacts on the subject's ability to conduct a normal social life. The aim of the study was to observe, in a group of children affected by pre-lingual non-syndromic autosomal recessive hearing impairment: (1) the role of the possible mutation of connexin 26 in the pathogenesis of the hearing loss; (2) the audiological and clinical aspects of the hearing impairment; (3) therapy to be adopted for the different patients. METHODS: The study was carried out on 39 patients, 16 males and 23 females, aged between six and 17 years (mean 12 years), affected by non syndromic congenital deafness, presumably hereditary, referred to the out-patients audiology clinic for children of the Department of Otolaryngology of the Federico II University of Naples. RESULTS: Our study conducted on 39 children with pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural autosomal recessive deafness showed as follows: (I) from a molecular perspective: an incidence of 41% in the cases studied of mutations in the encoding of the connexin 26 gene; a prevalence in our case study of the 35delG mutation (69%). (II) The characteristics of the hearing impairments in the children studied were homogeneous, regardless of the presence or absence of a connexin 26 mutation: the hearing impairment was pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural, the impairment often involved mainly the high frequencies, but, especially in the severe forms an involvement of all the frequencies was not rare; the hearing impairments were symmetrical and non progressive in time. (III) The results of the application of prosthesis and thereafter rehabilitative language therapy are generally satisfactory but correlated of course to the severity of the hearing loss. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we hope that further developments in the research on genetic hearing impairments will promptly result in advances in clinical practice.     

与非综合征型聋相关缝隙连接蛋白31及线粒体12SrRNA基因突变

 耳聋是影响人类健康和造成人类残疾的常见疾病,它主要由遗传因素和环境因素引起。遗传性聋包括综合征型聋和非综合征型聋,其中非综合征型聋约占70%。 GJB3及线粒体12SrRNA基因突变和非综合征型聋密切相关。本文就GJB3及线粒体12SrRNA基因突变与非综合征型聋的相关性进行综述,进一步明确其发病的相关性,在明确部分非综合征型聋病因的同时,更好的为患者及其家族成员提供准确的遗传咨询和指导,为临床防聋治聋提供依据及策略。     

Microarray-based mutation detection of pediatric sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss in China

Objective

To investigate the molecular etiologic causes of sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese children.

Methods

179 sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss children were subjected to microarray-based mutation detection for nine hot spot mutations in four of the most common deafness-related genes, including GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3, and 12s rRNA.

Results

The incidence of positive genetic errors was 43.58% with the current set of target genes in sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss children. Among them, 25.14% of cases had genetic defects in GJB2, 16.76% of cases had pathogenic mutations in SLC26A4, 1.12% of cases were caused by 12s rRNA mutations, and GJB3 mutation was detected in 0.56% of this group of patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that genetic factors were important causes for sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese pediatric cases. Mutations of GJB2 and SLC26A4 are two major genetic causes, whereas mutations of GJB3 and 12s rRNA result in the development of hearing loss in a small percentage of sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss cases. Microarray testing is a helpful and instrumental screening method in the diagnosis of genetic hearing loss.     

Medical evaluation of pediatric hearing loss. Laboratory,radiographic, and genetic testing

Specific investigations of pediatric hearing loss are based on the history, physical examination, and age of the patient. The radiographic investigation of choice is high-resolution CT of the temporal bone. Patients with a dilated vestibular aqueduct need to be investigated further for Pendred syndrome. Screening for mutations in connexin 26 has become increasingly available in many centers and should be performed in all cases of nonsyndromic hearing loss. It is important to understand the implications and pitfalls of genetic testing. Genetic counseling is necessary.     

Connexin 26 mutations and nonsyndromic hearing impairment in northern Finland

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the role of the gap junction protein beta-2 gene (GJB2), encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), in children with moderate to profound prelingual nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing impairment (HI) and to investigate the carrier frequencies of the GJB2 gene mutations in a control population in Northern Finland. METHODS: Mutation analysis was performed by direct sequencing and carrier detection by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis further confirmed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Cx26 mutations were found in 15 of 71 (21.1%) (67 families) children with HI. Homozygosity for the mutation 35delG was shown to be the cause of HI in 13 of 15 (86.7%) children. Homozygosity for the M34T genotype was found in one child, and compound heterozygosity for the M34T/V37I genotype was found in another. Five families of those with suspected familial HI (29.4%) and six families out of those with sporadic HI (12.0%) had a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation. The carrier frequency for the mutation 35delG was 1 of 78 (4 of 313) and that for the M34T was 1 of 26 (12 of 313). CONCLUSION: 35delG/35delG genotype was found to be a significant cause of moderate to profound prelingual nonsyndromic sensorineural HI in Northern Finland. M34T/M34T genotype was seen in only one child, but the carrier frequency of the M34T allele was about three times higher than that of the 35delG mutation.     

A Novel Connexin 26 Compound Heterozygous Mutation Results in Deafness

Objective Mutations of the gap junction beta 2 (GJB2) gene coding for the protein connexin 26 account for up to 50% of nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL), with specific mutations associated with distinct ethnic groups. A biracial family with nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance was examined for connexin 26 (Cx26) mutations. Study Design Prospective observational study. Methods A family consisting of a Caucasian mother and a Chinese father with two of six children affected by NSHL was examined for Cx26 mutations. Peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA was used to amplify by polymerase chain reaction the Cx26 coding region, followed by mutation detection enhancement gel screening and complete sequencing. Phenotypic characterization using audiometric testing was completed for all children and both parents. Results The two affected children were found to be compound heterozygotes for Cx26 mutations, displaying a previously unreported combination of 35delG and 235delC. The parents were each unaffected heterozygotes consistent with their ethnic heritage, specifically, the Caucasian mother a 35delG heterozygote and the Chinese father a 235delC heterozygote. Conclusions Connexin 26 mutations account for a significant proportion of NSHL worldwide, with specific mutations linked to distinct ethnic groups. Genetic analysis of a biracial family with NSHL revealed a novel 35delG/235delC compound heterozygous state in phenotypically affected children. These results highlight the usefulness of Cx26 mutation screening for genetic counseling and suggest that the 235delC mutation is present in China as it is in Japan and Korea.