Novel mutations in the TIGR gene in early and late onset open angle glaucoma

A gene for juvenile onset, open angle glaucoma (JOAG) has been localized to chromosome 1q21-31 in several families. Mutations in the trabecular meshwork-induced glucocorticoid response protein (TIGR) gene, which maps to this region, recently have been found in families segregating both JOAG and a later onset form of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). We have analysed the TIGR gene in two families; one Spanish family segregating autosomal dominant JOAG and an Irish family with a later onset form of autosomal dominant POAG. We have found a G-T transversion in the first base of codon 426 in all affected members of the Spanish family, which results in a valine to phenylalanine amino acid substitution. We have also found a G-A transition at the first base of codon 367 that segregates through all but one branch of the Irish family and results in a glycine to arginine amino acid substitution. Members of this family that carry the Gly367Arg change also share a common haplotype that is neither present in any of the unaffected members of the family, nor in the branch that does not segregate the mutation. Identification of further mutations in the TIGR gene increases its importance in the etiology of open angle glaucoma. Hum Mutat 11:244–251, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

原发性开角型青光眼家系一新的myocilin基因突变

目的探讨一个中国人原发性开角型青光眼(primary open angle glaucoma,POAG)家系的my-ocilin基因缺陷。方法对一个5代POAG大家系进行全面的临床检查后,用聚合酶链反应扩增家系成员myocilin基因的所有外显子以及相邻部分内含子,对其产物直接测序。结果家系的遗传方式符合常染色体显性遗传。确诊年龄在26～59岁之间。在所有青光眼患者,可疑者以及4例尚未出现明显青光眼体征的家系成员发现携带myocilin基因T455K突变。无该突变的家系成员中无POAG患者及可疑者。突变位于myocilin蛋白C-末端非常保守的氨基酸残基。结论T455K突变是中国人所特有的新的致病性myocilin基因突变。突变的临床表型为混合发病年龄型POAG且具有很高的外显率。这个新基因突变的发现证实中国人的致病性myocilin基因突变类型与其他种族不同。     

Inheritance of open‐angle glaucoma in the Barbados family study

The majority of genetic studies on open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) have been conducted in primarily white populations, with investigations of inheritance patterns largely based on self‐reported information. The Barbados Family Study of Open‐Angle Glaucoma (BFSG) is the first study to investigate the transmission pattern(s) for OAG in a predominantly black population, based on standardized examinations. Each BFSG participant received a comprehensive examination including anthropometric and other measurements, best‐corrected visual acuity, perimetry, tonometry, lens gradings, fundus photography, venipuncture, an extensive interview including ocular, medical and family history information and a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation. Conservative criteria were used to define glaucoma status, including the presence of both visual field defects and optic disc damage. The study included 207 OAG‐affected probands (median age: 68 years) and 1,056 of their relatives (median age: 47 years). Among the relatives examined 10% (n = 106) had OAG and 13% (n = 141) had probable OAG. Segregation analyses were performed to determine the mode of inheritance for glaucoma in these families. The results indicate that transmission of OAG or probable OAG is most likely due to a major codominant gene. Both age and gender are shown to be significant factors as well; with an increase in risk being associated with each year of age over 54 years and an increase in risk for all ages and genotypes observed in males. These analyses do not, however, preclude the possible existence of an environmental component or other genetic determinants in OAG. Further evidence for the existence of a major gene may be obtained by additional follow‐up of the relatively young cohort of relatives, as well as ongoing linkage analyses. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A sequence change (Arg158Gln) in the leucine zipper-like motif region of the MYOC/TIGR protein

The myocilin/trabecular meshwork-inducible glucocorticoid response (MYOC/TIGR) gene was identified as a gene that caused open angle glaucoma (OAG). Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and subsequent sequence analysis were performed for the MYOC/TIGR gene in 120 unrelated Japanese OAG patients with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), 116 unrelated OAG patients without increased IOP, and 106 unrelated control subjects without glaucoma. An Arg158Gln sequence change in the leucine zipper-like motif (LZM) region in the myosin-homology domain was found in 2 OAG patients with or without increased IOP, and in a 56-year-old control subject without glaucoma. This is the first report of missense sequence change in the LZM region of the MYOC/TIGR protein in subjects showing various phenotypes, including a control subject. These findings suggest that Arg158Gln in the LZM region is probably a rare nondisease-causing polymorphism, despite its important role in this region, because it was found in a control subject, although Arg158Gln was previously reported as a probable disease-causing mutation. Received: September 11, 2000 / Accepted: November 17, 2000     

原发性开角型青光眼致病基因研究进展及研究策略

青光眼是一种以视神经损伤和相应视功能损害为特征的视神经疾病,具有渐进性、不可逆性和遗传异质性的特点,是位居第二的致盲性疾病,其中原发性开角型青光眼则最为常见.此文对青光眼经典的遗传学研究策略及主要的研究进展进行简要的概述;对采取全外显子组测序(whole-exome sequencing)鉴定致病基因的策略、面临的挑战及采取的对策进行系统的阐述.     

NPC-db, a Niemann-Pick type C disease gene variation database

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disease typically accompanied by progressive impairment of nervous system and liver function. Biochemically, the disorder presents with an inhibited egress of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids from endosomal and lysosomal compartments in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. In the majority of NPC patients, mutations in the NPC1 gene can be identified. About 5% of patients show mutations in the NPC2 gene. Many different mutations can cause NPC disease and multiple variants not associated with the disease are known in both genes. A continuously updated collection of gene variants is lacking to date and only limited information is available on genotype-phenotype correlation. We have created the NPC disease gene variation database (NPC-db; http://npc.fzk.de; last accessed 24 October 2007). This database aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sequence variants in NPC1 and NPC2, including information on their functional consequences and associated haplotypes. Moreover, genotype data and clinical information from individual NPC patients provide information on the impact of functional variants. NPC-db addresses professionals and nonprofessionals dealing with NPC disease on a clinical, diagnostic, research, or personal basis. The user is encouraged to search contents and submit novel information, thereby contributing to generate a valuable open-access tool that will allow a better understanding of the molecular and clinical details of NPC disease.     

PKDB: Polycystic Kidney Disease Mutation Database--a gene variant database for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) arises from mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes. The Polycystic Kidney Disease Mutation Database (PKDB) is an internet-accessible relational database containing comprehensive information about germline and somatic disease-causing variants within these two genes, as well as polymorphisms and variants of indeterminate pathogenicity. The PKDB database structure incorporates an interface between these gene variant data and any associated patient clinical data. An initiative of the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, PKDB is a publicly accessible database that aims to streamline the evaluation of PKD1 and PKD2 gene variants detected in samples from those with ADPKD, as well as to assist ongoing clinical and molecular research in the field. As the accurate reporting of nucleotide variants is essential for ensuring the quality of data within PKDB, a mutation checker has been mounted on the PKDB server allowing contributors to assess the accuracy of their PKD1 and PKD2 variant reports. Researchers and clinicians may submit their PKD1/PKD2 gene variants and any associated deidentified clinical data via standardized downloadable data entry forms accessible through the PKDB site. PKDB has been launched with the full details of PKD1 and PKD2 gene variant reports published in 73 peer-reviewed articles. Through a series of user-friendly advanced search facilities, users are able to query the database as required. The PKDB server is accessible at http://pkdb.mayo.edu.