非综合征性耳聋患者连接蛋白26基因突变的研究

目的　探讨中国人非综合征性耳聋患者连接蛋白 2 6 (connexin 2 6 ,Cx2 6 )基因突变频率和特性。方法　收集中国散发先天性聋哑儿童 16例 ,常染色体隐性遗传性聋 39例 (39个家系 ) ,10岁前开始听力下降的常染色体显性遗传性聋 30例 (30个家系 )和健康对照组 10 0例。聚合酶链反应 单链构象多态 (singlestrandconformationalpolymorphismanalysisofpolymerasechainreaction ,PCR SSCP)分析初筛可疑突变者 ,SSCP分析发现异常构象带后再行DNA测序。结果　健康对照组中 15例发现 5种多态性改变 ,耳聋患者中 10例发现 6种多态性改变。散发先天性聋哑和常染色体隐性遗传非综合征性耳聋中未发现致病突变。 1个常染色体显性遗传性聋家系发现所有患者 (3例 )Cx2 6基因的编码区2 99 30 0位碱基AT杂合性缺失 ,导致移码突变 ,翻译的蛋白质截短 ,该家系听力正常者无此突变。结论　蒙古人种中常染色体隐性遗传性非综合征性耳聋的Cx2 6基因突变率可能低于其他人种。Cx2 6基因编码区 2 99 30 0位碱基AT杂合性缺失可致常染色体显性遗传性聋DFNA3型     

间隙连接蛋白基因与遗传性聋的相关性研究

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between hereditary nonsyndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) in Chinese and mutation in Connexin 31 (Cx31) gene and to explore the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: Forty-seven pedigrees with hereditary NSHI, 38 Children with sporadic NSHI and cases of control were collected in present studies. The coding sequence of Cx31 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), screened by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and confirmed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The mutation rate of heterozygous mutation C --> T at position 798 of Cx31 cDNA in patient group and in control were 14.1% (12/85) and 1% (1/100) respectively. Significant difference was found between the two group (P < 0.01). Heterozygous mutation G --> A at position 580 of GJB3 cDNA, which results in a missense mutation (A194T), was found in two members of one pedigree with autosomal dominant NSHI. The mutation was not found in numbers with normal hearing of this pedigree and controls. Heterozygous mutation G --> A at position 250 of Cx31 cDNA was found in one child with sporadic congenital NSHI. In our previous studies, Cx26 gene mutations have been screened among the patient with hereditary NSHI and sporadic NSHI and the control of our test, and two Cx26 gene mutations were found in two pedigrees. But the two NSHI pedigrees which were confirmed to have Cx26 gene mutation were not found to have Cx31 mutation. The patient and the control which were confirmed to have Cx31 gene mutations were not found to have Cx26 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Cx31 gene was associated with nonsyndromic hearing impairment There was no cross and cooperative effect between Cx26 gene and Cx31 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.     

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     

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。     

中国人非综合征型听力损失患者Cx26基因的突变分析

目的 分析中国人遗传性非综合征型听力损失（nonsyndromic hearing impairmetn,NSHI)患者缝隙连接蛋白（connexin 26,Cx26)基因编码区的突变。方法 对天津市聋哑学校的8个聋哑学生的家系中29例以及健康对照2例和有家族史但本人听力正常的遗传咨询者2例共33例取外周血提取DNA，经聚合酶链反应（olymerase chain reaction,PCR)扩增Cx26基因编码区片段，通过限制酶切指纹－单链构像多态性（restriction endonucleases fingerprinting-single strand conformation polymorphism,REF-SSCP)分析法进行突变筛选，经DNA测序判断多态性改变或致病突变。结果 33例中有30例Cx26基因发生改变，改变率为90．91％（30／33），共发现8种不同形式的改变，包括79G→A，109G→A，161A→T，235delC,240G→A,341A→G,571T→Ct 608T→C,其中161A→t,240G→A和571T→C为新发现的突变。22例耳聋患者中有3例为235delC，突变率为13．64％（3／22）。结论 Cx26基因235delC是中国人NSHI患者中主要的突变方式，NSHI患者中存在较多的多态性改变。     

CX31.1基因在遗传性聋家系中的突变分析

目的：通过对非综合征型聋家系进行CX31．1基因的突变分析,以鉴定CX31．1基因是否为遗传性聋的致病基因。方法：通过对从全国10多个省收集到的遗传性聋家系61个,其中常染色体隐性非综合征型聋家系37个,常染色体显性非综合征型聋家系24个的106例成员及50例正常人进行聚合酶链反应(polymerasc chain reaction,PCR)及直接测序,对遗传性聋个体进行CX31．1基因的突变检测。结果：发现CX31．1的同义突变1种,多态1种,内含子缺失2种。结论：我们目前的检测虽未能证明CX31．1基冈突变是上述聋家系的致病基因,但根据基因结构分析该基因与遗传性聋的关系不能排除,有待收集更多的家系做进一步的研究。     

GJB2 gene mutations causing familial hereditary deafness in Turkey

Mutations in Connexin 26 (Cx26) play an important role in autosomal non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss. In this study, our objective was to find out the significance of Cx26 mutations in Turkish families who had hereditary deafness. Fourteen families who had at least two prelingually deaf children per family were included in the study. One affected child from each of the 14 families was selected for single-stranded conformational polymorphism SSCP analysis. Three PCR reactions were used for each subject to amplify the entire Cx26 coding region with overlap. PCR products were sequenced on an Applied Biosystems (ABI) model 3700 automated sequencer. Six of the 14 representative family members (42.9%) demonstrated shifts on SSCP and were subsequently sequenced for Exons 1 and 2 of GJB2 and were tested for the 432 kb upstream deletion. No mutations were found in Exon 1 and no 432 kb deletions were noted. Three different GJB2 mutations were found in Exon 2 of the probands, which were 35delG, 299-300delAT, and 487G > A (M163V). GJB2 mutations were detected in 21.4% of the families. Two patients were homozygous for 35delG and 299-300delAT mutations, and were given a diagnosis of DFNB1 deafness (14.3%). Two different polymorphisms, 457G > A (V153I) and 380G > AG (R127H) were also found. In conclusion, although GJB2 mutations were detected in 21.4% of the families tested, only 14.3% of subject representatives were homozygous and therefore deafness caused by Cx26 mutation segregated with DFNB1. Thus, contribution of GJB2 mutations appears less significant in familial deafness. This necessitates further assessment for the other known gene regions as well as a search for new genetic factors in familial type of genetic deafness.     

MYO1F as a candidate gene for nonsyndromic deafness, DFNB15

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have mapped the autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness locus, DFNB15, to chromosomes 3q21.3-q25.2 and 19p13.3-13.1, identifying one of these chromosomal regions (or possibly both) as the site of a deafness-causing gene. Mutations in unconventional myosins cause deafness in mice and humans. One unconventional myosin, myosin 1F (MYO1F), is expressed in the cochlea and maps to chromosome 19p13.3-13.2. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate MYO1F as a candidate gene for deafness at the DFNB15 locus by determining its genomic structure and screening each exon for deafness-causing mutations to identify possible allele variants of MYO1F segregating in the DFNB15 family. METHODS: We used radiation hybrid mapping to localize MYO1F on chromosome arm 19p. We next determined its genomic structure using multiple long-range polymerase chain reaction experiments. Using these data, we completed mutation screening using single-stranded conformational polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing of affected and nonaffected persons in the original DFNB15 family. RESULTS: Radiation hybrid mapping placed MYO1F in the DFNB15 interval, establishing it as a positional candidate gene. Its genomic structure consists of 24 coding exons. No mutations or genomic rearrangements were found in the original DFNB15 family, making it unlikely that MYO1F is the disease-causing gene in this kindred. CONCLUSIONS: Although we did not find MYO1F allele variants in one family with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss, the gene remains an excellent candidate for hereditary hearing impairment. Given its wide tissue expression, MYO1F might cause syndromic deafness.     

Molecular genetics applied to clinical practice: the Cx26 hearing impairment

Mutations in the Cx26/GJB2 gene account for a large proportion of pre-lingual hearing impairment with a prevalence up to 50% in autosomal recessive cases and a still undefined prevalence in sporadic cases. Ninety-four subjects affected by non-syndromal sensorineural hearing impairment (NSHI) were enrolled in the study. The patients had either a family history of childhood hearing deficit or represented sporadic cases. The risk of an acquired cause of the deficit has been carefully excluded. Audiological characteristics were investigated. Cx26 mutations were found in 50% of subjects. Seventy-three per cent of mutations in this gene were 35delG, with significant geographical variations. In 7% of the putative Cx26 alleles no mutations were detected either in the coding region or in the non-coding exon 1. Cx26 hearing impairment involves all frequencies, is of variable severity, and is very rarely progressive and most frequently symmetrical between the two ears. The high occurrence of this type of pre-lingual hearing impairment argues for modification of the protocols used to investigate the aetiology of childhood hearing impairment. Early screening for Cx26 mutations in all patients with non-syndromal familial and sporadic permanent childhood hearing impairment seems justified.     

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.     

Connexin26 mutations associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the GJB2 gene are a major cause of autosomal recessive and sporadic types of congenital deafness. The 35delG mutation is the most frequent type of mutation in white populations. However, several other forms were reported, such as 167delT among Ashkenazi Jews and R143W in Africans. The present study investigated the mutations of connexin26 (Cx26) found in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) and newborns in the Korean population. STUDY DESIGN: The sequencing data for 147 unrelated patients with congenital NSHL and 100 audiologically screened newborns were included in this prospective study. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples from all patients and newborns were sequenced in both directions for detection of Cx26 mutations. RESULTS: Thirteen different types of mutations were found in the patients and newborns. V27I and E114G are the popular types of polymorphic mutations in both groups. 235delC-deletion and frameshift--was detected in patients (15 in 294 alleles) and newborns (1 in 200 alleles). 35delG was rarely found in both group. In addition to above mutations, several types of mutations--S85P, K41R, S72C, V84A, 176-191del, and 299-300del-were identified. The family study of the 235delC showed a typical autosomal recessive trait of NSHL in their audiological evaluation of hearing threshold. CONCLUSION: The frequency of 235delC allele showed much higher in the patients (5%) than in newborns (0.5%). We rarely found 35delC mutant in both groups. These results suggest that the different types of Cx26 mutations affect autosomal recessive NSHL according to ethnic background.     

淮阴A1555G突变相关耳聋核心家系成员的连接蛋白26基因突变分析

目的探讨连接蛋白26（connexin 26，Cx26）基因是否是江苏淮阴A1555G突变相关母系遗传聋家系的核修饰基因。方法采用聚合酶链反应一限制片断长度多态性分析（PCR—restriction fragment length polymorphism，PCR-RFLP）和测序技术，对江苏淮阴A1555G突变相关母系遗传非综合征型聋核心家系中的26例母系成员和62例对照（包括2例父系亲属、10例配偶对照和50例当地无关对照）的Cx26基因编码区序列进行了研究，并根据孟德尔遗传规律构建了家系成员Cx26基因的单体型图。结果在26例母系成员中共发现4处杂合性碱基变化，分别为79G→A、109G→A、341G→A和235delC。其中，前3种为已知多态性差异，而235delC为已知的可引起常染色体隐性聋的致病突变。但235delC突变仅存在于1例具有中度聋表型的母系成员和其2例听力正常的子女中，并不与耳聋表型共分离。而根据遗传规律，推测该突变来源于1例配偶对照，为外来突变；同时，根据4个位点变化构建的Cx26基因单体型图也未揭示Cx26基因与A1555G突变致聋有任何相关性；另外，在62例对照中也发现1例235delC杂合性缺失突变。结论235delC杂合性突变并不加重A1555G突变的致聋效应；Cx26基因也不是江苏淮阴母系遗传聋家系A1555G突变的核修饰基因。     

The genetic load for hereditary hearing impairment in Chinese population and its clinical implication

Objective To understand the genetic load in the Chinese population for improvement in diagnosis, prevention and rehabilitation of deafness. Methods DNA samples, immortalized cell lines as well as detailed clinical and audiometric data were collected through a national genetic resources collecting network. Two conventional genetic approaches were used in the studies. Linkage analysis in X chromosome and autosomes with microsatellite markers were performed in large families for gene mapping and positional cloning of novel genes. Candidate gene approach was used for screening the mtDNA 12SrRNA, GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations in population-based samples. Results A total of 2,572 Chinese hearing loss families or sporadic cases were characterized in the reported studies, including seven X-linked, one Y-linked, 28 large and multiplex autosomal dominant heating loss families, 607 simplex autosomal recessive hereditary hearing loss families, 100 mitochondrial inheritance families, 147 GJB2 induced heating loss cases, 230 cases with enlarged vestibular aqueduct(EVA) syndrome, 169 sporadic cases with auditory neuropathy, and 1,283 sporadic sensorineural hearing loss cases. Through linkage analysis or sequence analysis, two X-linked families were found transmitting two novel mutations in the POU3F4 gene, while another X-linked family was mapped onto a novel locus, nominated as A UNX1 (auditory neuropathy, X-linked locus 1). The only Y-linked family was mapped onto the DFNY1 locus(Y-linked locus 1, DFNY1). Eight of the 28 autosomal dominant families were linked to various autosomal loci. In population genetics studies, 2,567 familial cases and sporadic patients were subjected to mutation screening for three common hearing loss genes: mtDNA 12S rRNA 1555G, GJB2 and SLC26A4. The auditory neuropathy cases in our samples were screened for OTOF gene mutations. Conclusions These data show that the Chinese population has a genetic load on hereditary heating loss. Establishing personalized surveillance and prevention models for hearing loss based on genetic research will provide the opportunity to decrease the prevalence of deafness in the Chinese population.     

Autosomal recessive and sporadic deafness in Morocco: high frequency of the 35delG GJB2 mutation and absence of the 342-kb GJB6 variant

Deafness is a heterogeneous disorder showing different pattern of inheritance and involving a multitude of different genes. Mutations in the gene, GJB2 Gap junction type 1), encoding the gap junction protein connexin-26 on chromosome 13q11 may be responsible for up 50% of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss cases (ARNSHL), and for 15–30% of sporadic cases. However, a large proportion (10–42%) of patients with GJB2 has only one GJB2 mutant allele. Recent reports have suggested that a 342-kb deletion truncating the GJB6 gene (encoding connexin-30), was associated with ARNSHL through either homozygous deletion of Cx30, or digenic inheritance of a Cx30 deletion and a Cx26 mutation in trans. Because mutations in Connexin-26 (Cx26) play an important role in ARNSHL and that distribution pattern of GJB2 variants differs considerably among ethnic groups, our objective was to find out the significance of Cx26 mutations in Moroccan families who had hereditary and sporadic deafness. One hundred and sixteen families with congenital deafness (including 38 multiplex families, and 78 families with sporadic cases) were included. Results show that the prevalence of the 35delG mutation is 31.58% in the family cases and 20.51% in the sporadic cases. Further screening for other GJB2 variants demonstrated the absence of other mutations; none of these families had mutations in exon 1 of GJB2 or the 342-kb deletion of GJB6. Thus, screening of the 35delG in the GJB2 gene should facilitate routinely used diagnostic for genetic counselling in Morocco.     

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.     

KCNQ4基因突变对常染色体显性遗传性聋家系的影响

目的 应用选基因法了解KCNQ4基因对中国耳聋家系的影响，检测其突变形式。方法 在一个6代相传的常染色体显性遗传性家系中，应用聚合酶链反应－单链构像多态性（polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism,PCR-SSCP)及克隆测序方法对KCNQ4基因的全部编码序列的PCR产物进行突变位点及多态序列检测。结果 在该家系中，对36位家系成员进行了KCNQ4基因的编码序列的检测，发现KCNQ4基因外显子2的分子多态现象，经测序分析证明这种多态是由于内含子中47个碱基复制数的差异所造成的。结论 本实验证明KCNQ4基因外显子2的编码区附近存在一个新的分子多态标记，这种分子多态表现出不同的基因型。通过对这些基因型与耳聋表型的相关分析发现，随着内含子复制数的增加，耳聋表现度明显增加。提示KCNQ4基因外显子2与外显子3之间内含子复制数的变化可能是这个家系出现耳聋的一种特征性分子标记。     

遗传性耳聋资源收集保存及基因定位克隆

目的建立聋病遗传资源收集网络,着重收集具有中国特色的聋病遗传资源,进行聋病基因定位克隆及相关的分子流行病学研究。方法通过遗传资源收集网络进行聋病遗传资源的收集,建立资源库进行遗传资源的表型鉴定和分析。应用微卫星标记的连锁分析及候选基因法进行家系的基因定位克隆和分子流行病学研究。结果共收集到含有多种耳聋表型的大小家系2071个,其中涵盖了单基因病孟德尔遗传的全部遗传方式:包括X-连锁遗传家系2个,Y-连锁遗传家系1个(命名为DFNY1基因座)、常染色体显性遗传性耳聋大家系12个(完成了基因定位5个)、常染色体隐性遗传性耳聋核心家系619个以及线粒体突变母系遗传性耳聋家系76个;大前庭水管综合征163例;听神经病108例;不明原因感音神经性耳聋478例;西北地区聋哑学校聋哑患者612例。对1489例散发患者进行了线粒体基因12S rRNA 1555G,缝隙连接蛋白基因(GJB2,GJB3和GJB6)以及SLC26A4基因的突变筛查与分析。其中西北地区612例聋哑人群中发现27．92％患者分别存在三个基因的突变,mtDNAA1555G平均阳性率为9．15％,GJB2为9．97％,SLC26A4为8．8％。结论遗传性听力损失是非常常见的耳聋疾病,其发病率超出原有的预测。基于大家系的基因定位研究有望发现新的基因座位及新的基因突变。分子流行病学研究发现遗传因素在先天性聋和学语后听力损失中的作用强于环境因素,并发现中国人群具有耳聋基因的高发病率和特异的突变图谱。     

Absence of GJB6 mutations in Indian patients with non-syndromic hearing loss

Objective

Hearing loss is the most frequent sensory defect in human being. Genetic factors account for at least half of all cases of profound congenital deafness. The 13q11-q12 region contains the GJB2 and GJB6 genes, which code connexin 26 (CX26) and connexin 30 (CX30) proteins, respectively. Mutations in the gene GJB2, encoding the gap junction protein connexin 26, are considered to be responsible for up to 50% of familial cases of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss and for up to 15-30% of the sporadic cases. It has also been reported that mutations in the GJB6 gene contribute to autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant hearing defects in many populations. The 342-kb deletion [del(GJB6-D13S1830)] of the Cx30 gene is the second most common connexin mutation after the CX26 mutations in some NSHL populations. The aim of this study was to screen GJB6 gene mutations in Asian Indian patients with autosomal non-syndromic hearing loss.

Methods

We screened 203 non-syndromic hearing loss patients, who were negative for homozygous mutations in GJB2 gene, for GJB6-D13S1830 deletion and mutations in coding regions of GJB6 using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing.

Results

No deleterious mutation in GJB6 gene was detected in our study cohort.

Conclusion

The present data demonstrated that mutations in the GJB6 gene are unlikely to be a major cause of non-syndromic deafness in Asian Indians.     

Lack of association between Connexin 31 (GJB3) alterations and sensorineural deafness in Austria

Mutations in the gap junction protein beta 3 (GJB3) gene encoding Connexin 31 (Cx31) are known to cause autosomal inherited sensorineural deafness, erythrokeratodermia and neuropathy. The role of Cx31 mutations has not been described in familial cases of non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) in central European populations. To identify mutations in the Austrian population, highly selected familial (n=24) and sporadic (n=21) cases of isolated NSHI were screened by analysis of the complete coding sequence of Cx31, after exclusion of a common Cx26 causing deafness. Three different variations occurring in a total of 37% of all cases were identified. A C94T (R32W) missense mutation was seen in 4.4% of cases and two silent alterations C357T and C798T were detected in 8.9% and 24.4% of cases exclusively in a heterozygous pattern. No correlation between Cx31 alterations and deafness was found. To investigate the role of heterozygous Cx31 variations for a possibly combination allelic disease inheritance with Cx26 mutations as shown for Connexin 30 and Connexin 26, patients with Cx26 variations were tested. Our data suggest that Cx31 alterations are common but have no or a low genetic relevance in the Austrian hearing impaired population with or without Cx26 alterations.