羊水细胞低密度脂蛋白受体基因突变分析在家族性高胆固醇血症产前诊断中应用

目的探讨羊水细胞低密度脂蛋白受体（low density lipoprotein receptor,LDLR）基因突变分析在家族性高胆固醇血症（familial hypercholesterolemia,FH）产前诊断中的应用价值。方法 3例曾生育FH重症患儿并再次妊娠的妇女及其核心家系成员,提取其外周血基因组DNA,筛查LDLR基因突变;于妊娠16～20周在超声引导下行羊膜腔穿刺术抽取羊水,提取胎儿脱落细胞DNA,分别对家系存在的LDLR基因突变进行检测,判断胎儿是否为重症FH。结果 3个家系均符合FH诊断,并分别在LDLR基因检测到2个互不相同的杂合突变位点;胎儿LDLR基因核苷酸序列分析证实,1号家系胎儿仅携带该家系1个突变位点判断为杂合（轻症）,2号家系胎儿携带该家系2个突变位点判断为复合杂合（重症）,3号家系胎儿未检到该家系的突变位点推测为正常个体。结论 FH孕妇羊水脱落细胞LDLR基因分析安全有效,可尽早发现FH纯合子患儿。     

Mutation analysis in a small cohort of New Zealand patients originating from the United Kingdom demonstrates genetic heterogeneity in familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) are relatively common lipid disorders caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) genes, respectively. Molecular analysis at these loci was performed in eight New Zealand subjects with clinical features of heterozygous FH. Utilization of an in vitro lymphocyte receptor assay demonstrated normal receptor function in four patients, three of whom screened positive for the founder-type apo B mutation, R3500Q, causing FDB. Four patients with reduced LDLR function, consistent with heterozygous FH, revealed three previously documented mutations in exons 3 (W66X), 6 (C292Y) and 7 (G322S) of the LDLR gene and, a novel 2-bp deletion (TC or CT) after nucleotide 1204 (or 1205) in exon 9. The remaining patient was found to be FH/FDB negative after extensive mutation screening using both denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and heteroduplex-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Haplotype analysis at the LDLR and apo B loci finally excluded the likelihood that mutations in these two genes underlie the FH phenotype in the molecularly uncharacterized New Zealand family originating from the United Kingdom. This family represents a valuable source of material for future genetic dissection of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), shown to be a heterogeneous disease through molecular analysis.     

家族性高胆固醇血症患者二例的LDLR基因复合杂合新突变分析

目的 探讨2例临床确诊的湖北籍FH患者的LDLR基因突变状况,为FH的基因诊断提供依据.方法 收集2例临床确诊的FH患者及其父母血脂检测指标等临床资料,通过PCR扩增LDLR基因的1～18个外显子和内含子区域,再将扩增产物进行正、反双向核苷酸序列分析,并与GenBank中LDLR基因的正常序列对比找出突变后,结合FH先证者的临床表型证实致病突变的类型.结果 氧化酶法测定1号、2号FH先证者血浆TC,分别为12.79、11.98 mmol/L;经核苷酸序列分析,其ApoB100基因涵盖的3 500～3 531区域均未见突变;LDLR基因均为复合杂合突变,1号FH先证者LDLR基因第4外显子的665位碱基G>T为杂合错义突变,且该突变为新的点突变,第9内含子的1 358+32位碱基C>T突变也为新的点突变,并均由其父母遗传.2号先证者第9外显子1 257位碱基C>A突变导致终止密码子提前出现,但其核苷酸改变与比利时报道的C>G不同,第13外显子检测到1 879位碱基G>A杂合错义突变,且分别来源于其父母.结论 2例FH先证者均存在LDLR基因复合杂合突变,1号FH先证者的第4外显子665位碱基G>T和第9内含子1 358+32位碱基C>T、2号FH先证者的第9外显子1 257位碱基C>A突变均为新突变,这可能是导致FH的分子机制.

Abstract：

Objective To determine LDLR gene mutation in 2 clinically diagnosed FH patients from Hubei province and provide basis for gene diagnosis of FH.Methods Clinical data of 2 FH patients and their parents were collected.The promoter region and exon 1 to exon 18 region of LDLR gene were amplified through PCR and the amplified products were analyzed by forward and reverse DNA sequencing.The mutations were identified after comparison with LDLR gene sequence in GenBank.The pathogenic gene mutations were confirmed according to both genotype and phenotype of FH probands.Results The levels of plasma TC of two probands were 12.79 and 11.98 mmol/L.respectively.No gene mutations were detected in region 3 500 to 3 531 of ApoB100. The mutations of LDLR gene were compound heterozygous mutations. The novel mutation 665G > T detected in the exon 4 of No. 1 proband's LDLR gene was heterozygous missense mutation. The novel mutation 1 358 +32C > T was detected in the exon 9 of No. 1 proband's LDLR gene.The mutations 665G > T ( paternal origin) and 1 358 + 32C > T ( maternal origin) were inherited from the parents. A novel mutation 1 257 C > A was detected in the exon 9 of No. 2 proband's LDLR gene, resulting the presence of a premature termination codon, which was different from 1 257 C > G reported in Belgium.Another heterozygous missense mutation 1 879 G > A was detected in exon 13. They were derived from paternal origin and maternal origin, respectively. Conclusions There are three novel gene mutations:665G >T, 1 358 +32C > T, 1 257C > A found in two probands with compound heterozygous mutations in LDLR respectively. They maybe play a potential role in FH pathogensis.     

变性高压液相色谱分析在中国家族性CADASIL患者基因筛查中的应用

目的:探讨变性高压液相色谱分析(DHPLC)在伴皮质下梗死及白质脑病的常染色体显性遗传性脑动脉病(CADASIL)患者诊断中的方法和价值。方法:运用DHPLC及DNA直接测序技术,对CADASIL家系先证者、家系成员14例(CADASIL组)及健康对照者100例(对照组)进行Notch3基因检测。结果:CADASIL组发现3种致病性突变,其中Cys134Tyr为新的突变类型,同时发现15种多态类型;对照组中未发现突变。结论:DHPLC技术在筛查Notch3中起重要作用,但在筛查时应进行多个柱温的测试,温度调换以2℃为宜。     

Increasing the sensitivity of single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of the LDLR gene mutations in brazilian patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene cause familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), one of the most common single gene disorders. It is thought that FH affects approximately 1 of 500 individuals in most populations. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis is widely used to detect mutations in the LDLR gene. However, several factors such as temperature, pH, running time, gel composition and size of the DNA fragments can influence its sensitivity. We have optimized the electrophoretic conditions to screen mutations in the promoter region and exons 1-18 of the LDLR gene by varying temperature (5 degrees C, 8 degrees C, 12 degrees C and 15 degrees C), voltage (300 to 600 V), and running time (1 to 4 hours) in the semi-automated GenePhor system (Amersham Biosciences). The efficiency of the method was evaluated by using 30 positive controls (DNA samples with mutations and polymorphisms in the LDLR gene, previously characterized) and DNA samples from 90 Brazilian patients with FH. Our results show that the use of two temperatures (5 degrees C and 15 degrees C) in combination with other optimized conditions resulted in high mutation detection rate (97%), which was considered appropriate for routine screening. Therefore, this strategy could be useful for the diagnosis of genetic disorders, cancer, and for pharmacogenetic studies.     

变性高效液相色谱技术在家族性高胆固醇血症低密度脂蛋白受体基因突变检测中的应用

目的 以变性高效液相色谱(DHPLC)，分析检测家族性高胆固醇血症(FH)一汉族家系成员的低密度脂蛋白受体(LDLR)基因突变，以明确诊断。方法 收集临床诊断为家族性高胆固醇血症的汉族一个家系共37名成员，其中30人为一级和二级亲属，7名为亲属配偶作为对照，提取基因组DNA，聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法扩增LDLR基因包含启动子和全部基因编码区(1-18外显子)及临近的内含子序列共21个片段，琼脂糖凝胶电泳鉴定产物。采用DHPLC技术检测了LDLR基因，对洗脱曲线异常者进行核苷酸序列分析。结果 该家系中发现4处变异，其中1处经核苷酸序列测定明确了突变的性质为第3内含子的剪接突变，并在此家系5名成员中得到证实，而对照组中未检出。结论 成功地建立了以DHPLC筛查LDLR基因点突变的方法及技术参数，该方法简便，结果稳定，可作为大样本筛查突变位点的一种便捷可靠手段。     

Mutational heterogeneity in low-density lipoprotein receptor gene related to familial hypercholesterolemia in Morocco

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes. Until now, molecular data concerning FH in Morocco is still limited. To gain more information in this field and to assess the contribution of these three genes in the cause of FH determinism, we analyzed six unrelated Moroccan probands and twenty-five of their family's members. METHODS: After LDLR and APOB genotype analysis, we screened the LDLR gene for mutations using southern blot and PCR-sequencing analysis. We also screened the APOB gene for the two common mutations R3500Q and R3531C by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis. The PCSK9 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: We identified three novel mutations (C25X, IVS3+5G>T, D558A) and two mutations previously described (D151N, A480E) in the LDLR gene. The R3500Q and R3531C mutations are absent in our probands and for 1 proband, the implication of LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes was excluded, supporting the implication of a fourth gene in the determination of FH. CONCLUSION: These data are in agreement with our previous study that suggests a heterogeneous mutational spectrum of FH in Morocco.     

Identification of two LDL receptor mutations causing familial hypercholesterolemia in Indian subjects

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder caused by numerous mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Mutational analyses of Indians in South Africa suggest the possibility of a high frequency of FH in India. This study aimed at identifying mutations in exons 3, 4, 9, and 14 of the LDLR gene among Indians and at eventually developing population-directed molecular-based screening assays. DNA samples from 25 hypercholesterolemic patients with clinical features of FH and 25 normal controls were analyzed for four known point mutations: W66G (exon 3), E207K (exon 4), E387K (exon 9), and P664L (exon 14), which are those most reported among Indian immigrants in South Africa. Subsequently, samples were screened for other mutations by modified heteroduplex analysis in these exons. Point mutations predicted to be common among Indians were absent in the samples analyzed. Heteroduplex analysis and sequencing revealed the presence of novel insertion mutations in two patients. Both mutations are single-nucleotide "G" insertions at position 242 in exon 3 and position 397 in exon 4. The observed mutations are predicted to cause a translational frameshift, encoding truncated LDLR proteins due to premature termination. The mutant proteins are likely to be degraded intracellularly and, therefore, are pathogenic.     

FH clinical phenotype in Greek patients with LDL-R defective vs. negative mutations

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene and the gene encoding apolipoprotein B-100, affecting one in 500 individuals. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-three Greek FH patients were screened for mutations on the LDLR and ApoB genes. RESULTS: We identified mutations in 67 probands and 11 relatives. Sixteen mutations located in eight different exons and the promoter of the LDLR were discovered. Among them 10 were missense mutations (C6W, S265R, A370T, Q363P, D365E, V408M, A410T, A517T, G528D, G571E), two were nonsense mutations (Q363X and C660X), three were splice defects (2140 + 5G-->A and 2140 + 9C-->T, 1706 - 10G-->A), and one was a nucleotide substitution (- 45delT) on the promoter. None of the subjects carried any apoB mutation. The detection rate of mutations in this study was 43%. From the above mutations, A410T, A519T and the splice site defects 2140 + 9C-->T were detected for the first time in the Greek population. Among them V408M, G528D, C6W and S265R account for 73% of heterozygous FH probands. V408M mutation is more common in Central West, while C6W is more common in Central East. Separating the patients into two groups (receptor defective and receptor negative) we found that the receptor negative group had higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher prevalence of tendon xanthomas compared with the receptor-defective group. DISCUSSION: The homogenous molecular basis of familial hypercholesterolaemia in Greece facilitates the application of a DNA diagnostic strategy based on the origin of the patient. The early mutation analysis would add valuable information on the severity of the disease.     

Identification of new mutations of the HFE, hepcidin, and transferrin receptor 2 genes by denaturing HPLC analysis of individuals with biochemical indications of iron overload

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemochromatosis is a recessive disorder characterized by iron accumulation in parenchymal cells, followed by organ damage and failure. The disorder is mainly attributable to the C282Y and H63D mutations in the HFE gene, but additional mutations in the HFE, transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2), and hepcidin genes have been reported. The copresence of mutations in different genes may explain the phenotypic heterogeneity of the disorder and its variable penetrance. METHODS: We used denaturing HPLC (DHPLC) for rapid DNA scanning of the HFE (exons 2, 3, and 4), hepcidin, and TfR2 (exons 2, 4 and 6) genes in a cohort of 657 individuals with altered indicators of iron status. RESULTS: DHPLC identification of C282Y and H63D HFE alleles was in perfect agreement with the restriction endonuclease assay. Fourteen DNA samples were heterozygous for the HFE S65C mutation. In addition, we found novel mutations: two in HFE (R66C in exon 2 and R224G in exon 4), one in the hepcidin gene (G71D), and one in TfR2 (V22I), plus several intronic or silent substitutions. Six of the seven individuals with hepcidin or TfR2 coding mutations carried also HFE C282Y or S65C mutations. CONCLUSION: DHPLC is an efficient method for mutational screening for the genes involved in hereditary hemochromatosis and for the study of their copresence.     

A rapid method for detecting mutations of the human LDL receptor gene by complete cDNA sequencing

We have developed and clinically tested a rapid and largely automated procedure to detect mutations in the coding region of a gene of interest. Our method relies on the automated sequencing of the complete cDNA, followed by an advanced mutation search-and-verification routine using an integrated set of computer analysis tools. We have applied our automated procedure to the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in 52 unrelated FH families, by sequencing the whole cDNA coding region of the LDLR gene. Here we report the procedures and performance of our method in the identification of the most common types of LDLR mutations: short deletions or insertions and point mutations. Our method can provide a standard procedure for the 'overnight' unequivocal identification of mutations in those genetic diseases where several different mutations, none clearly prominent, may affect a given gene.     

Denaturing HPLC-based approach for detecting RYR2 mutations involved in malignant arrhythmias

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the RYR2 gene, which encodes the cardiac ryanodine receptor, have been reported in patients showing either arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, type 2, or stress-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Both clinical phenotypes are characterized by a high risk of sudden death. Detection of RYR2 mutations is particularly important because beta-blocker treatment has been shown to be effective in preventing fatal arrhythmias in affected patients. METHODS: We used denaturing HPLC (DHPLC) to identify mutations in the human RYR2 gene. Fifty-three single exons, possibly targeted by mutations, were identified by comparison with the distribution of pathogenic mutations of the RYR1 gene, the skeletal muscle counterpart of RYR2. PCR primers for amplification of the entire coding sequence (116 amplicons, corresponding to 105 exons) were tested, and optimal DHPLC conditions were established. DHPLC analysis of critical exons was performed on 22 unrelated patients with effort-induced polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias but lacking a precise diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified four novel missense mutations among 22 patients. Their pathogenic role was related to present knowledge of the structure and function of RyR2 protein. CONCLUSIONS: Under optimized conditions, DHPLC is a cost-effective, highly sensitive, rapid, and efficient method for mutation screenings. A four-step approach is proposed for mutation screening of the RYR2 gene: (a) DHPLC analysis of 48 critical exons (2-4, 6-15, 17-20, 39-49, 83, 84, 87-97, and 99-105); (b) DNA sequencing of 5 critical exons unsuitable for DHPLC; then, in case of negative results, (c) DHPLC analysis of the remaining 39 exons and (d) DNA sequencing of the last 13 amplicons unsuitable for DHPLC analysis.     

应用变性高效液相色谱检测马凡综合征原纤维蛋白1突变

目的 应用变性高效液相色谱(DHPLC)结合DMA测序法检测分析马凡综合征(MFS)原纤维蛋白1(fibrillin-1)基因(FBNI)突变状况.方法 提取22例MFS患者全血DMA,PCR增扩FBNI的65个外显子,用DHPLC筛查DNA突变,对DHPLC图形异常的PCR产物用DNA测序分析突变分布.结果 在9例MFS患者FBNI中发现10种突变.其中有4种错义突变[5015G>C(C1672S)、5309G>A(C1770Y)、7241G>A(A2414c)与7769G>A(C2590Y)],4种无义突变[3295G>T(E1099X)、4307in8TCGT(G1441X),4621C>T(R1541x)与8080C>T(A2694x)],2种剪切位点突变(IVS29+4A>T与IVS50+1G>A).结论 DHPLC结合DNA测序法是一种快速有效的FBNI突变检测法,可用于MIFS的基因诊断.     

Analysis of sequence variations in the LDL receptor gene in Spain: general gene screening or search for specific alterations?

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a frequent form of autosomal-dominant hypercholesterolemia that predisposes to premature coronary atherosclerosis. FH is caused by sequence variations in the gene coding for the LDL receptor (LDLR). This gene has a wide spectrum of sequence variations, and genetic diagnosis can be performed by 2 strategies. METHODS: Point variations and large rearrangements were screened along all the LDLR gene (promoter, exons, and flanking intron sequences). RESULTS: We screened a sample of 129 FH probands from the Valencian Community, Spain, and identified 54 different LDLR sequence variations. The most frequent (10% of cases) was 111insA, and 60% of the variants had a frequency as low as 1%. A previously described method for detection of known sequence variations in the Spanish population by DNA array analysis allowed the identification of only approximately 50% of patients with a variant LDLR gene and approximately 40% of the screened samples. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the adequate procedure to identify LDLR sequence variations in outbreed populations should include screening of the entire gene.     

Intronic mutations at splice junctions in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene.

Most of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene mutations causing familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have been identified in the coding region of the gene. We have screened 180 patients for disease-related gene defects and report the identification of three previously described (IVS3+1G-->A, IVS9-1G-->A and IVS16-2A-->G) and two novel mutations (IVS2+1G-->A and IVS14+1G-->T) at splice junctions. Approximately 9% (38/404) of LDLR gene point mutations identified to date in FH patients occur in introns and may affect splicing. The severe consequences of these mutations make them an important target for the molecular analysis of FH.     

Reliable low-density DNA array based on allele-specific probes for detection of 118 mutations causing familial hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND: Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease (PCVD). Mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene and the R3500Q mutation in the apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene are known to cause FH, but lack of high-throughput methods makes routine genetic diagnosis difficult. The objective of this work was to develop a DNA array for large-scale identification of mutant LDLR alleles. METHODS: We developed a low-density oligonucleotide microarray to identify 118 DNA sequence variations (117 for the LDLR gene and 1 for the APOB gene). We verified specificity and sensitivity by analyzing 1180 previously sequenced DNA samples, and conducted a blind study screening 407 Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of FH. RESULTS: The DNA array confirmed the previous genotyping results in almost all cases. In the blind study, the microarray detected at least 1 mutation in 51% of the patients for whom clinical diagnosis was classified as certain according to Dutch FH-MEDPED criteria; it also identified mutations in 37% of those with a diagnosis of probable/possible FH, thus giving a definite diagnosis. Patients harboring null mutations had shorter PCVD-free survival times and higher relative risk of PCVD than patients with a missense mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed DNA array allows large-scale population screening and provides molecular information regarding mutation type and its correlation with clinical severity of FH, which can be used to develop therapeutic strategies.     

单链构象多态性技术在家族性高胆固醇血症患者低密度脂蛋白受体基因13外显子点突变筛查中的应用

目的 探讨单链构象多态性(SSCP)技术在家族性高胆固醇血症患者低密度脂蛋白受体(LDLR)基因13外显子点突变筛查上的应用价值.方法 以16例临床诊断为家族性高胆固醇血症(FH)患者为研究对象,提取外周血DNA,扩增LDLR基因第13号外显子片段,组合最优条件进行SSCP电泳并银染.对异常条带进行DNA序列测定确定其突变性质和位置.结果 优化SSCP电泳条件为:不含甘油8%凝胶,在10℃条件下电泳;含5%甘油的8%凝胶,在常温条件下电泳(交联度均为49:1).凝胶厚度均不超过0.4 mm,电泳电压为5 V/cm,在此条件下进行SSCP电泳均可以得到满意电泳图谱.对发现的异常条带,结合DNA测序证实有4例患者LDLR基因第13外显子分别发生A606T,D601N,Y601D,或G636V错义突变,同时均存在1959碱基C→T同义突变.另外4例患者13外显子仅存在1959碱基C→T同义突变.结论 通过优化各种条件进行的PCR-SSCP银染方法,是高胆固醇血症病LDLR基因13外显子点突变初步筛查的有效手段.     

Mutation Analysis of NPHS1 in a Worldwide Cohort of Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome Patients

Background: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is defined as nephrotic syndrome that manifests within the first 3 months of life. Mutations in the NPHS1 gene encoding nephrin, are a major cause for CNS. Currently, more than 173 different mutations of NPHS1 have been published as causing CNS, affecting most exons. Methods: We performed mutation analysis of NPHS1 in a worldwide cohort of 20 families (23 children) with CNS. All 29 exons of the NPHS1 gene were examined using direct sequencing. New mutations were confirmed by demonstrating their absence in 96 healthy control individuals. Results: We detected disease-causing mutations in 9 of 20 families (45%). Seven of the families showed a homozygous mutation, while two were compound heterozygous. In another 2 families, single heterozygous NPHS1 mutations were detected. Out of 10 different mutations discovered, 3 were novel, consisting of 1 splice site mutation and 2 missense mutations. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the spectrum of NPHS1 mutations is still expanding, involving new exons, in patients from a diverse ethnic background.     

Novel stop mutation causing familial hypercholesterolemia in a Costa Rican family

Combined heteroduplex single-strand conformation polymorphism (HEX-SSCP) analysis of the promoter and coding region of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene revealed a novel C to T mutation at nucleotide position 2056 in a Costa Rican patient with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This nonsense mutation, Q665X, results in a termination codon in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor homology domain of the mature LDLR.