Analysis of RET,ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF Genomic Rearrangements in Central Congenital Hyperventilation Syndrome Patients by Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification

Central congenital hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is an autonomous control disease producing hypoventilation, high PaCO₂, and low PaO₂ during quiet sleep. The main gene variants detected in CCHS are mutations in the PHOX2b gene in up to 97% of isolated cases. However, CCHS is sometimes associated with autonomic diseases such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Since genomic rearrangements in particularly sensitive areas of the RET protooncogene and/or associated genes may account for the CCHS/HSCR phenotype in patients without other detectable RET variants, the aim of the present study was to identify rearrangements in the coding sequence of RET as well as in three HSCR‐associated genes (ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF) in CCHS/HSCR patients by using Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). We have screened 27 CCHS and 11 CCHS/HSCR patients for genomic rearrangements in RET, ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF and did not identify any deletion or amplification in these four genes in all patients. We conclude that genomic rearrangements in RET are rare and were not responsible for the CCHS/HSCR phenotype in individuals without identifiable germline RET variants in our group of patients, yet this possibility cannot be excluded altogether given the size of the cohort.     

多重链接探针扩增技术在染色体非整倍体畸变诊断中的应用

目的 探讨多重连接探针扩增(multiplexligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)技术在13、18、21、X、Y染色体非整倍体畸变诊断中的应用价值.方法 收集本院经染色体核型分析确诊包括有上述5种染色体数目异常及正常的样本共44份,其中外周血30份、胎儿脐带血10份、羊水4份,提取标本DNA,采用MLPA技术对样本染色体数目进行分析,并与染色体核型分析结果进行比对.结果 42例样本检测结果与染色体核型分析结果一致,1例染色体核型分析未能作出判断的标记染色体片段被识别为Y染色体片段,1例21-三体嵌合体未能做出明确判断,临床检出率97.7%(43/44).结论 MLPA技术通过单管反应同时检测40多个不同靶基因序列的拷贝数,具有高通量、特异、便捷及成本较低等特点,可应用于常见染色体非整倍体畸变的临床诊断和产前诊断.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the application value of the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique in diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Yaneuploidy. Methods Forty-four cases including 30 peripheral blood samples, 10 fetal cord blood samples,and 4 amniotic fluid samples were collected in this study. DNA was isolated from the samples and detected by MLPA, followed by analyzing in ABI310 Genetic Analyzer. Analysis of copy number changes for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y was carried out with RH-MLPA-analysis software. The routine karyotype analyses were also done for all the samples. Results Of 44 samples, the results of 42 by MLPA method was consistent with that by chromosome karyotyping. Only one case with trisomy 21 chimerism was failed to reach conclusion. In addition, one case of mark chromosome segment was identified as Ychromosome segment by MLPA, while karyotyping failed to make judgment. The accurate rate of MLPA was 97. 7% (43/44). Conclusion The MLPA technique can simultaneously detect dozens of different target sequences and their copy number changes in a single reaction. It showed high specificity, good reproducibility, was fast and high-throughput. The MLPA technique can be applied to diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of the common chromosomal aneuploidy.     

多重连接探针扩增检测Williams综合征微缺失

MLPA是一种简便快速检测缺失及重复突变的方法,该技术弥补了荧光原位杂交技术的不足,可用于实验室对Williams综合征的快速检测,具有一定临床诊断价值.     

应用多重连接依赖式探针扩增技术快速高通量诊断胎儿染色体非整倍体异常

目的 评价多重连接依赖式探针扩增技术(multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)在染色体非整倍体诊断中的应用价值,为我国羊水染色体诊断提供一种快速、特异、高通量的分子诊断手段.方法 应用MLPA技术检测了500份羊水标本,所有标本均进行荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization,FISH)技术检测和常规染色体核型分析,应用RH-MLPA-v511数据分析软件获得MLPA结果,比较MLPA技术与FISH和染色体核型分析结果的准确性,总结MLPA技术临床应用过程中的关键要点.结果 在500份羊水标本中,MLPA检测成功率97%.3个工作日完成结果的为92%,需重复检测的为5%,失败为3%.对染色体非整倍体异常检测敏感性和准确性100%.证实38例非整倍体病例探针信号比值＞正常二倍体4s,2例疑似三体结果＞2s.分析了21号染色体8条探针的杂交效率,21三体患者8条探针中平均4条探针比值＞1.3.结论 MLPA技术具有快速、特异、敏感、高通量、成本低等特点,可用于产前染色体非整倍体数目的快速检测,是传统染色体培养方法的补充,临床应用价值较高.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the diagnostic value of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for detection of common chromosome aneuploidy in amniotic fluid (AF) cells in order to obtain an accurate, rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput method in routine prenatal clinical practice.Methods The MLPA test was performed on 500 AF samples by using kit P095 and the results were obtained by using analysis software RH-MLPA-v511. The results were compared with that from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and traditional karyotyping (TK). The technical critical issues were analyzed in routine diagnostic application. Results The absolute specificity and sensitivity of the MLPA test to detect the aneuploidy were 100%. For the 500 AF samples, the success rate of the MLPA tests was 97%. Among them 92% were finished within three working days and 5% required more days for repeating. The test failure rate was 3%. The results confirmed that for the 38 detectable aneuploid samples,the probe reliability weighted mean ratio values were more than 4SD compared to normal diploids and the 2 suspected trisomy samples were more than 2SD. In this study, authors analyzed hybridization efficiencies of 8 probes for chromosome 21, and the presence of a trisomy was considered if at least 4 of the 8 probes gave probe ratio of ＞1.3. Conclusion The data suggested that MLPA is a rapid, simple and reliable method for large scale testing for aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, or Y in AF. The MLPA technology is complementary to AF culture and valuable for prenatal diagnosis.     

采用多重连接探针扩增技术检测智力低下儿童的基因缺陷

目的 探讨原因不明智力低下儿童的发病与染色体亚端粒基因重组间的关系.方法 采用多重连接探针扩增(multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)技术检测30名原因不明的综合征性智力低下患儿的染色体亚端粒区域.结果 检测到5例患儿存在染色体亚端粒的基因缺失或重复突变,分别为4p缺失,21q重复,10p重复、4p缺失,15p重复,3p重复、9p缺失.结论 不明原因智力低下儿童的发病与染色体亚端粒基因重组密切相关.MLPA技术可以作为一种高效、特异的方法对智能障碍儿童进行基因缺陷筛查.     

应用多重连接依赖探针扩增技术快速检测胎儿染色体非整倍体异常

目的 探讨多重连接依赖探针扩增(multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)技术在常见染色体非整倍体异常检测及其在产前诊断中的应用价值.方法 应用MLPA技术检测561份产前诊断样本和20例已知染色体异倍体标本,所有样本均进行常规染色体核型分析,比较MLPA结果和染色体核型分析结果,评价MLPA技术的临床符合率.结果 MLPA技术能够在48 h内出具检测结果,共检测出38例染色体异倍体,包括20例21-三体,10例18-三体,1例13-三体,4例Turner综合征,1例Klinefelter综合征,1例超雄综合征,1例48,XYY,+18双三体综合征.MLPA结果与染色体核型结果一致,检测结果100％准确.在561份产前诊断样本中,有550份样本的MLPA分析结果和细胞染色体核型的结果一致,临床符合率达到98.04％.结论 MLPA技术具有快速、简单、稳定等优点,可检测常见非整倍体异常,能作为产前诊断的可靠方法,具有临床实际应用价值.     

Frequency of RET mutations in long- and short-segment Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease, or congenital aganglionic megacolon, is a genetic disorder of neural crest development affecting 1:5,000 newborns. Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, repeatedly identified in the heterozygous state in both long- and short-segment Hirschsprung patients, lead to loss of both transforming and differentiating capacities of the activated RET through a dominant negative effect when expressed in appropriate cellular systems. The approach of single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis established for all the 20 exons of the RET proto-oncogene, and previously used to screen for point mutations in Hirschsprung patients allowed us to identify seven additional mutations among 39 sporadic and familial cases of Hirschsprung disease (detection rate 18%). This relatively low efficiency in detecting mutations of RET in Hirschsprung patients cannot be accounted by the hypothesis of genetic heterogeneity, which is not supported by the results of linkage analysis in the pedigrees analyzed so far. Almost 74% of the point mutations in our series, as well as in other patient series, were identified among long segment patients, who represented only 25% of our patient population. The finding of a C620R substitution in a patient affected with total colonic aganglionosis confirms the involvement of this mutation in the pathogenesis of different phenotypes (i.e., medullary thyroid carcinoma and Hirschsprung). Finally the R313Q mutation identified for the first time in homozygosity in a child born of consanguineous parents is associated with the most severe Hirschsprung phenotype (total colonic aganglionosis with small bowel involvement). Hum Mutat 9:243–249, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Haplotypes of the Human RET Proto-oncogene Associated with Hirschsprung Disease in the Italian Population Derive from a Single Ancestral Combination of Alleles

The RET proto‐oncogene is the major gene involved in the complex genetics of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or aganglionic megacolon, showing causative loss‐of‐function mutations in 15–30% of the sporadic cases. Several RET polymorphisms and haplotypes have been described in association with the disease, suggesting a role for this gene in HSCR predisposition, also in the absence of mutations in the coding region. Finally, the presence of a functional variant in intron 1 has repeatedly been proposed to explain such findings. Here we report a case‐control study conducted on 97 Italian HSCR sporadic patients and 85 population matched controls, using 13 RET polymorphisms distributed throughout the gene, from the basal promoter to the 3′UTR. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses have shown increased recombination between the 5′ and 3′ portions of the gene and an over‐representation, in the cases studied, of two haplotypes sharing a common allelic combination that extends from the promoter up to intron 5. We propose that these two disease‐associated haplotypes derive from a single founding locus, extending up to intron 19 and successively rearranged in correspondence with a high recombination rate region located between the proximal and distal portions of the gene. Our results suggests the possibility that a common HSCR predisposing variant, in linkage disequilibrium with such haplotypes, is located further downstream than the previously suggested interval encompassing intron 1.     

应用多重连接依赖性探针扩增技术进行脊髓性肌萎缩症的基因诊断及产前诊断

目的 探讨多重连接依赖性探针扩增(multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)技术在脊髓性肌萎缩症(spinal muscular atrophy,SMA)基因诊断及产前诊断中的应用.方法 选择来自8个SMA家系的患者4例,父母16例,胎儿4例,应用MLPA技术进行分析,对患者同时应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism,PCR-RFLP)方法进行分析.结果 对患者的检测,MLPA分析结果与PCR-RFLP检测结果相符,4例患者的运动神经元存活基因(survival motor neuron gene,SMN)1的第7和第8外显子均为纯合缺失.除家系1、4母亲的SMN1基因MLPA检测结果与其他家系不同外,其余各家系14名父母均明确诊断为SMN1基因杂合缺失突变携带者.结论 MLPA技术是一种准确可靠的基因定量分析方法 ,适合于SMA患者、携带者的基因诊断及产前诊断.     

A Novel Point Variant in NTRK3, R645C, Suggests a Role of this Gene in the Pathogenesis of Hirschsprung Disease

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a developmental disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses due to a defect in the migration process of neural crest neuroblasts. Manifestation of the disease has been linked to the dysfunction of two principal signalling pathways involved in the enteric nervous system (ENS) formation: the RET-GDNF and the EDN3-EDNRB receptor systems. However, the NTF3/NTRK3 signalling pathway plays an essential role in the development of the ENS suggesting a potential role for those genes in the pathogenesis of HSCR. We have sought to evaluate the candidature of the NTRK3 gene, which encodes the TrkC receptor, as a susceptibility gene for Hirschsprung disease. Using dHPLC technology we have screened the NTRK3 coding region in 143 Spanish HSCR patients. A total of four previously described polymorphisms and 12 novel sequence variants were detected. Of note, the novel R645C mutation was detected in 2 affected siblings of a HSCR family also carrying a RET splicing mutation. Using bioinformatics tools we observed that the presence of an additional cysteine residue might implicate structural alterations in the mutated protein. We propose haploinsufficiency as the most probable mechanism for the NTRK3 R645C mutation. NTRK3 and RET mutations in this family only appear together in the HSCR patients, suggesting that they per se are necessary but not sufficient to produce the phenotype. In addition, it is quite probable that the contribution of other still unidentified modifier genes, may be responsible for the different phenotypes (length of aganglionosis) in the two affected members.     

Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis to screen for deletions and duplications of the LDLR gene in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia

The most common genetic defect in patients with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia is a mutation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ) gene. An estimate of the frequency of major rearrangements has been limited by the availability of an effective analytical method and testing of large cohorts. We present data from a cohort of 611 patients referred with suspected heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) from five UK lipid clinics, who were initially screened for point mutations in LDLR and the common APOB and PCSK9 mutations. The 377 cases in whom no mutation was found were then screened for large rearrangements by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. A rearrangement was identified in 19 patients. This represents 7.5% of the total detected mutations of the cohort. Of these, the majority of mutations (12/19) were deletions of more than one exon, two were duplications of more than one exon and five were single exon deletions that need interpreting with care. Five rearrangements (26%) are previously unreported. We conclude that MLPA analysis is a simple and rapid method for detecting large rearrangements and should be included in diagnostic genetic testing for FH.     

Low RET mutation frequency and polymorphism analysis of the RET and EDNRB genes in patients with Hirschsprung disease in Taiwan

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or congenital intestinal aganglionosis, is a relatively common disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the nerve plexuses of the lower digestive tract, resulting in intestinal obstruction in neonates. Mutations in genes of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) signaling pathways have been shown to be associated in HSCR patients. In this study, we collected genomic DNA samples from 55 HSCR patients in central Taiwan and analyzed the coding regions of the RET and EDNRB genes by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. In the 55 patients, an A to G transition was detected in two (identical twin brothers). The mutation was at the end of RET exon 19 at codon 1062 (Y1062C), a reported critical site for the signaling pathways. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in exons 2, 7, 11, 13, and 15 of RET and exon 4 of EDNRB in the HSCR patients or controls were detected. The differences between patients and controls in allele distribution of the five RET polymorphic sites were statistically significant. The most frequent genotype encompassing exons 2 and 13 SNPs (the polymorphic sites with the highest percentage of heterozygotes) was AA/GG in patients, which was different from the AG/GT in the normal controls. Transmission disequilibrium was observed in exons 2, 7, and 13, indicating nonrandom association of the susceptibility alleles with the disease in the patients. This study represents the first comprehensive genetic analysis of HSCR disease in Taiwan.     

MLPA联合遗传连锁分析在假肥大型肌营养不良症产前诊断中的价值

目的 探讨多重连接依赖探针扩增技术(multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MLPA)联合短串联重复序列(short tandem repeat,STR)基因连锁分析用于Duchenne型假肥大型肌营养不良症(Duchenne muscular dystrophy,DMD)产前诊断的价值.方法 通过检测Y染色体性别决定基因(Y chromosome sex-determining gene,SR Y)判断胎儿性别;MLPA检测45个DMD家系中先证者、孕妇以及胎儿Dystrophin基因突变情况,并对家系成员和胎儿进行第45、49、50内含子以及5′和3 ′端STR的连锁分析.结果 45个进行产前诊断的家系中,SRY阳性31例,其中6例为DMD患病胎儿;阴性14例,其中4例为携带者,余未见异常.结论 MLPA能检测胎儿Dystrophin基因外显子突变情况,STR连锁能分析胎儿是否继承母源性风险X染色体,因此,STR连锁分析能发现MLPA技术检测不到的外显子突变胎儿.将两种方法结合起来用于DMD的产前诊断准确性更高.     

Duchenne肌营养不良症患者及携带者的基因缺失和重复突变检测

目的利用多重连接依赖探针PCR扩增技术检测Duchenne肌营养不良症（Duchenne muscular dystrophy，DMD）患者及其可能的女性携带者的dystrophin基因的缺失、重复突变。方法利用多重连接依赖探针PCR扩增对32例DMD患者及其27个可能的女性携带者的dystrophin基因缺失、重复进行检测。结果32个先证者中，共检测出了24例DMI）患者具有一个或多个外显子的缺失，l例DMD患者具有重复突变，l例患者为第19外显子的无义突变（R768X），6例没有检测出缺失、重复突变的先证者可能是点突变所致。17个先证者的18位女性亲属具有和先证者相同的缺失、重复突变。结论多重连接依赖探针PCR扩增技术可用于检测DMD基因的缺失、重复突变，可以检测DMD基因女性携带者的基因杂合情况，在检测DMD基因缺失和重复方面，具有一定的应用价值。     

Gene dosage imbalances in patients with 46,XY gonadal DSD detected by an in-house-designed synthetic probe set for multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis

The development of a testis requires the proper spatiotemporal expression of the SRY gene and other genes that act in a dosage-sensitive manner. Mutations in the SRY gene account for only 10–15% of patients with 46,XY gonadal disorder of sex development (DSD). To enable the diagnostics of deletions and duplications of genes known to be involved in different forms of DSD, we developed a synthetic probe set for multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. Here, we report the results from the analysis of 22 patients with 46,XY gonadal DSD. The analysis with the DSD probe set has led to the identification of two copy number variations, an 800-kb NR0B1 ( DAX1 ) locus duplication on Xp21 in a patient with isolated partial gonadal dysgenesis and a duplication of the SRD5A2 gene that represents a rare normal variant. The described MLPA kit represents an optimal complement to DNA sequence analysis in patients with DSD, enabling screening for deletions and duplications of several genes simultaneously. Furthermore, the second identification of an NR0B1 locus duplication in a patient with isolated gonadal dysgenesis, without dysmorphic features and/or mental retardation, highlights the importance of evaluating NR0B1 duplication in patients with gonadal dysgenesis.     

Subtelomeric deletions detected in patients with idiopathic mental retardation using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)

Subtelomeric rearrangements are responsible for 5% to 10% of cases of unexplained mental retardation. Despite their clinical relevance, methods to screen for these cytogenetically invisible abnormalities on a routine base are scarce. We screened patients with idiopathic mental retardation for subtelomeric aberrations using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). This recently developed technique is based on PCR amplification of ligated probes hybridized to chromosome ends. Currently, 41 telomeres can be screened in just two multiplex reactions. Four subtelomeric rearrangements (5.3%) were detected in a group of 75 patients with mild to severe mental retardation in combination with dysmorphic features and/or a familial history of mental retardation: two terminal 1p deletions, a terminal 1q deletion, and a terminal 3p deletion. Deletions could be verified by FISH and marker analysis. In one case the MLPA indicated a terminal 21q deletion due to a 3-bp deletion at the site of the probe, giving a false-positive rate of 1.3%. This study demonstrates that MLPA is a fast and reliable screening method, potentially suitable for use in routine diagnostics.     

High frequency of down-regulation of E-cadherin detected in benign sporadic insulinomas by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification

Insulinomas are the most common functioning pancreatic endocrine tumors, and the previous studies showed that the chromosomal aberrations of Chr.9q, 11q, and 22q were associated with the development and progression of insulinoma. To analyze the genetic alterations in sporadic insulinoma, we tested 23 tumor samples using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. The results showed that 20 (87%) of the 23 patients had lost CDH1, a tumor suppressor gene. Immunofluorescence analysis of the E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins further confirmed the impaired expression of E-cadherin and the translocation of β-catenin in sporadic insulinomas. It was found that the cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin coincided with the decrease or loss of E-cadherin synthesis during the tumorigenesis of sporadic insulinomas. Our study suggests that the inactivation of CDH1 is an important and early event in the development of these tumor types.     

Improved testing for CMT1A and HNPP using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) with rapid DNA preparations: comparison with the interphase FISH method

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) are the two most common peripheral neuropathies, with incidences of about 1 in 2,500. Several techniques can be used to detect the typical 1.5-Mb duplication or deletion associated with these respective conditions, but none combines simplicity with high sensitivity. MLPA is a new technique for measuring sequence dosage. We have assessed its performance for the detection of the specific 1.5-Mb duplication/deletion by prospectively testing 50 patients referred with differential diagnoses of CMT or HNPP. Probes were designed to evaluate the TEKT3, PMP22, and COX10 genes within the CMT1A/HNPP region. We have compared the results with our existing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, which was performed in parallel. There was concordance of results for 49 patients. Of note, one patient showed an intermediate multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) result with an abnormal FISH result, which is consistent with mosaicism. The assay works equally well with either purified DNA or rapid DNA preparations made by direct cell lysis. The use of the latter significantly reduces the cost of the assay. MLPA is a sensitive, specific, robust, and cost-effective technique suitable for fast, high-throughput testing and offers distinct advantages over other testing methods.