Identification of novel PAX6 mutations in two families with bilateral aniridia. Mutations in brief no. 167. Online

We report two novel PAX6 mutations in aniridia patients of two Swiss pedigrees (We, Sc) which give rise to different phenotypes. An SSCP analysis of the PAX6 14 exons reveals electrophoretic mobility shifts exclusively in exons 5 and 12 of aniridia patients. As determined by bidirectional sequencing and restriction digest analysis, these shifts are caused by mono-allelic base transitions in exon 5 (c.547C-->T; R44X; We) and intron 12 (IVS12+5G-->A; Sc). Each mutation co-segregates with the trait in the affected family with complete penetrance. The Sc mutation in the splicing donor site of intron 12 may result in either intron inclusion or exon skipping, both giving rise to a truncated PAX6 protein which may retain a residual transactivating activity. In contrast, the We genetic alteration is a loss-of-function mutation leading to a more severe phenotype than that observed in the Sc pedigree.     

Molecular characterization of phenylketonuria in South Brazil

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. The PAH gene, located at 12q22-q24.1, includes about 90kb and contains 13 exons. To date, more than 420 different alterations have been identified in the PAH gene. To determine the nature and frequency of PAH mutations in PKU patients from South Brazil, mutation analysis was performed on genomic DNA from 23 unrelated PKU patients. The 13 exons and flanking regions of the PAH gene were amplified by PCR and the amplicons were analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Amplicons that showed abnormal migration patterns were analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestion and/or sequencing. Twenty-two previously reported mutations were identified including R261X, R408W, IVS2nt5g-->c, R261Q, and V388M. Polymorphisms were observed in 48.8% of the PKU patients, the most frequent being IVS2nt19t-->c, V245V, and IVS12nt-35c-->t. In addition, two novel sequence variants were identified: 1378g-->t in the 3(')-untranslated region in exon 13 which may be disease-causing and an intron 12 polymorphism, IVS12nt-15t-->c. The mutation spectrum in the patients from Southern Brazil differed from that observed in patients from other Latin American countries and further defined the molecular heterogeneity of this disease.     

Genetic testing of glycogen storage disease type Ib in Japan: five novel G6PT1 mutations and a rapid detection method for a prevalent mutation W118R

We devised a simple method using a TaqMan fluorogenic probe for detection of a prevalent G6PT1 mutation W118R among Japanese patients with glycogen storage disease type Ib. The W118R mutation was detected in three of six newly diagnosed Japanese patients. The W118R-negative alleles were screened for causative mutations by sequencing analysis, revealing five novel mutations. The genetic tests using the simple TaqMan method coupled with sequencing analysis would facilitate the early diagnosis of this disorder.     

Mutation analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes results in the identification of novel and recurrent mutations in 6/16 flemish families with breast and/or ovarian cancer but not in 12 sporadic patients with early-onset disease. Mutations in brief no. 224. Online

Since the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (MIM#s 113705 and 600185), more than hundred different mutations throughout both genes have been reported. Recurrent mutations are rare and mainly due to founder effects. We analyzed 12 sporadic female patients with breast cancer before age 35, as well as 16 unrelated families, presenting with either (i) at least 3 first degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age, or (ii) at least 2 first and/or second degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer before age 45 years. We performed a protein truncation test for BRCA1 exon 11 and BRCA2 exons 10 and 11 and heteroduplex analysis for all the remaining exons of BRCA1 and 2. Presence of genomic deletions encompassing exons 13 or 22 of BRCA1, known to be Dutch founder mutations, was investigated by PCR. In 6/16 (37.5%) unrelated families the causal mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene was identified. Four different mutations were found in the BRCA1 gene: IVS5+3A>G (intron 5), 1191delC (exon 11), R1443X (exon 13), IVS22+5G>A (intron 22) and two in the BRCA2 gene: 6503delTT (exon 11), 6831delTG (exon 11). 1191delC (BRCA1) and 6831delTG (BRCA2) are novel mutations. IVS5+3A>G in exon 5 of BRCA1 published by Peelen et al. (1997) as a novel Belgian mutation, was identified in one additional family, not fulfilling our inclusion criteria. In the group of 12 sporadic female patients no mutations were found.     

Mutation screening of the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene in 76 unrelated patients with Marfan syndrome or Marfanoid features leads to the identification of 11 novel and three previously reported mutations

Mutations in the gene encoding fibrillin-1 (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome (MFS) and other related connective tissue disorders. In this study we performed SSCP to analyze all 65 exons of the FBN1 gene in 76 patients presenting with classical MFS or related phenotypes. We report 7 missense mutations, 3 splice site alterations, one indel mutation, one nonsense mutation and two mutations causing frameshifts: a 16bp deletion and a single nucleotide insertion. 5 of the missense mutations (Y1101C, C1806Y, T1908I, G1919D, C2251R) occur in calcium-binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like (EGFcb) domains of exons 26, 43, 46 and 55, respectively. One missense mutation (V449I) substitutes a valine residue in the non-calcium-binding epidermal growth factor like domain (EGFncb) of exon 11. One missense mutation (G880S) affects the "hybrid" motif in exon 21 by replacing glycine to serine. The 3 splice site mutations detected are: IVS1-1G>A in intron 1, IVS38-1G>A in intron 38 and IVS46+5G>A in intron 46. C628delinsK was identified in exon 15 leading to the substitution of a conserved cysteine residue. Furthermore two frameshift mutations were found in exon 15 (1904-1919del ) and exon 63 (8025insC) leading to premature termination codons (PTCs) in exon 17 and 64 respectively. Finally we identified a nonsense mutation (R429X) located in the proline rich domain in exon 10 of the FBN1 gene. Y1101C, IVS46+5G>A and R429X have been reported before.     

Novel OCTN2 mutations: no genotype-phenotype correlations: early carnitine therapy prevents cardiomyopathy

Primary systemic carnitine deficiency or carnitine uptake defect (OMIM 212140) is a potentially lethal, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive infantile-onset cardiomyopathy, weakness, and recurrent hypoglycemic hypoketotic encephalopathy, which is highly responsive to L-carnitine therapy. Molecular analysis of the SLC22A5 (OCTN2) gene, encoding the high-affinity carnitine transporter, was done in 11 affected individuals by direct nucleotide sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from all 10 exons. Carnitine uptake (at Km of 5 microM) in cultured skin fibroblasts ranged from 1% to 20% of normal controls. Eleven mutations (delF23, N32S, and one 11-bp duplication in exon 1; R169W in exon 3; a donor splice mutation [IVS3+1 G > A] in intron 3; frameshift mutations in exons 5 and 6; Y401X in exon 7; T440M, T468R and S470F in exon 8) are described. There was no correlation between residual uptake and severity of clinical presentation, suggesting that the wide phenotypic variability is likely related to exogenous stressors exacerbating carnitine deficiency. Most importantly, strict compliance with carnitine from birth appears to prevent the phenotype.     

Sequence variations in the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) associated with human addiction to heroin

Human mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) is the major site for the analgesic action of most opioid drugs such as morphine, methadone and heroin. It was previously reported that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon1 (c.118A-->G) of OPRM1 might modestly alter the affinity in beta-endorphin-Mu interaction. Using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) the complete coding region of the OPRM1 gene was screened for SNPs in Han-Chinese heroin addicts and normal control. Three novel SNPs were detected, one in exon3, one in intron3 and one in the 3' untranslated region. The SNP c.118A-->G reportedly altered the interaction of Mu receptor with opioid had no statistically significant correlation with heroin addition in Han Chinese. However, addicted subjects with the SNP in intron2 (IVS2 +31G-->A) tended to show much higher heroin intake dosages than those without this SNP. We also observed that individuals carrying both SNP c.118A-->G and IVS2 +31G-->A consumed relatively more drugs compared to other addicts. Thus our study further highlights the importance of studing the various regions of the mu opioid receptor gene, coding as well as non-coding, for genetic markers that may be linked to, or directly contribute to opioid drug-seeking behavior.     

中国人早发性糖尿病GCK基因突变的筛查

目的了解葡萄糖激酶（glucokinase）基因GCK突变和序列变异在中国人早发性糖尿病人群中的发生情况。方法应用直接测序方法对174名无亲缘关系中国人（其中80名为非糖尿病对照组，94例为早发性糖尿病家系先证者）进行GCK基因启动子区、10个外显子及其侧翼内含子区筛查。结果未在编码区发现突变，但发现几种先前已经报道的序列变异：外显子1a的5’非翻译区，位于翻译起始点上游84bp处GGCGG→GGGGG（糖尿病组G等位基因频率0．106比对照组0．075，P=0．355）；IVS1b＋12（A→T）（糖尿病组T等位基因频率0．005而在对照组未发现该变异）；IVS5＋29（G→T）（糖尿病组T等位基因频率0．027比对照组0．019，P=0．731）；IVS9＋8（T→C）（糖尿病组C等位基因频率0．585比对照组0．694，P=0．044）。此外，还发现1个未被报道的新的序列变异IVS9＋49（G→A）（糖尿病组A等位基因频率0．011比对照组0．006，P=1．000）。未发现外显子1a的5’非翻译区，-84bp处（C→G）、IVS 5＋29（G→T）、IVS9＋8（T→C）和IVS9＋49（G→A）变异与血糖、胰岛素、C-肽及空腹血脂谱等临床变量相关。结论GCK基因突变不是中国人早发性糖尿病发病的主要原因。     

X-连锁迟发性脊椎骨骺发育不良SEDL基因新突变

目的　研究X 连锁迟发性脊椎骨骺发育不良 (X linkedspondyloepiphysealdysplasiatarda ,SEDL)的发病机理。方法　应用聚合酶链反应 单链构象多态及变性聚丙烯酰胺测序凝胶电泳技术 ,并结合DNA序列分析方法 ,对 5例SEDL患者及 3 0名正常对照SEDL基因的全部编码外显子及其邻近序列进行突变分析。结果　在 1例SEDL患者中发现了致病突变 ,并经DNA序列分析证实 ,SEDL基因第 5内含子剪接受体处IVS5 2— 1delAG紧接第 6外显子 3 2 2— 3 3 2delTTTTCAATGAA共 13个碱基缺失。结论该突变系国内外尚未见报道的新突变 ,这一突变可引起SEDL。     

Spectrum of Delta(7)-dehydrocholesterol reductase mutations in patients with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz (RSH) syndrome

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS; also known as the RSH syndrome) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, leading to characteristic multi-organ developmental abnormalities, dysmorphic facies, limb malformations and mental retardation. Mutations in the gene for Delta(7)-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Delta(7)-reductase), which catalyzes the last step in cholesterol biosynthesis, cause the disease. We screened 32 patients with SLOS, 28 from the USA and four from Sweden. Twenty-two different nucleotide changes, predicted to be disease-causing mutations, were identified; 20 missense mutations, one nonsense mutation and one splice-site mutation involving the exon 9 acceptor site (IVS8 -1G-->C) were detected. All probands were heterozygous for mutations. Twelve of these mutations have not been reported previously, including missense mutations L148R, F168I, D175H, P179L, P243R, F284L, N287K, F302L, R404S, Y462H, R469P and one nonsense mutation W37X [corrected]. Coupled with previously reported mutations, these findings bring the total of different Delta(7)-reductase mutations to 36. These are distributed throughout the coding sequence of the Delta(7)-reductase gene except exons 3 and 5, with a clustering in exon 9. Three mutations account for 54% of those observed in our cohort, the splice acceptor site mutation IVS8 -1G-->C (22/64 alleles, 34%), T93M (8/64, 12.5%) and V326L (5/64, 7.8%). Severity of SLOS was negatively correlated with both plasma cholesterol and relative plasma cholesterol, but not with 7-dehydrocholesterol, the immediate precursor, confirming previous observations. However, no correlation was observed between mutations and phenotype, suggesting that the degree of severity may be affected by other factors. We estimate that between 33 and 42% of the variation in the SLOS severity score is accounted for by variation in plasma cholesterol. Thus, factors other than plasma cholesterol are additionally involved in determining severity.     

Mutations and polymorphisms in N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase gene in Turkish Morquio A patients

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disease resulting from deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS). This lysosomal storage disorder leads to a wide range of clinical variability ranging from severe, through intermediate to mild forms. The classical phenotype of Morquio A disease is characterized by severe bone dysplasia without intellectual impairment. Two severe MPS IVA patients from two unrelated Turkish families have been investigated. The 14 exons and intron-exon junctions of the GALNS gene were sequenced after amplification from genomic DNA. Direct sequencing revealed two homozygous mutations previously described: p.L390X in exon 11 and p.W141R in exon 4. The p L390X mutation was associated with four novel polymorphisms in intron 2, intron 5 and intron 6 and one polymorphism previously described in exon 7. We have analysed the haplotypes associated with the two identified mutations. These molecular findings will permit accurate carrier detection, prenatal diagnosis and counseling for Morquio A syndrome in Turkey.     

Analyis of factor VIII mRNA reveals defects in everyone of 28 haemophilia A patients

Haemophilia A is a mutationally heterogeneous disease causedby defects in the large and complex factor VIII gene. Recentstudies examining the putative promoter, all exons and mostintron/exon boundaries have failed to detect mutations in halfthe patients with severe disease leading to hypotheses suchas mutations in remote controlling regions or even in genesother than factor VIII. We have amplified the factor VIII gene(putative promotor, coding region and poly-adenylation/cleavagesignal region) in 8 fragments from reverse transcribed mRNAand genomic DNA. Any mutation is then located by chemical mismatchdetection and characterised by direct sequencing. This rapidand efficient method has been fully successful and has revealedan unusual cluster of mutations causing severe disease. Of the28 patients we have reported, 5 had mild or moderate diseaseand all had a missense mutation. Twenty-three patients wereseverely affected and 13 of these had different detrimentalmutations that were fully characterised at the genomic DNA level.The remaining 10 patients all had mRNA with exon 22 not contiguousto exon 23. Since all exons were normal and so were the splicesites of intron 22, the mutation in these patients should bein the regions of intron 22 that were not screened. These resultsprove that all haemophilia A cases are due to mutations of thefactor VIII gene where, unexpectedly, intron 22 seems to bethe target of approximately 40% of the mutations causing severehaemophilia A.     

X-连锁迟发性脊椎骨骺发育不良家系SEDL基因突变研究

目的：确定中国汉族中一个X－连锁迟发性脊椎骨骺发育不良（spondyloepiphyseal dyskplasia tarda,SEDL)大家系SEDL基因突变类型，探讨SEDL发病的分子基础。方法：用聚合酶链反应扩增产物双向直接测序方法检测了患者构成SEDL基因可读框的第3－6外显子及相邻侧翼区的DNA序列，将测序结果与GenBank公布的SEDL基因正常序列对比找出突变。然后在家系其他成员中证实该突变。结果：在2例患者（Ⅳ15、Ⅴ3）SEDL基因第2内含子剪接受体处发现了IVS2－2A→C突变，4个外显子的核苷酸序列未见改变。该突变在4例女性携带者得到证实，她们的基因型表现为野生型与突变型杂合现象。家系中2名未受累男性和15名无关健康个体未检测到这一突变。在该家系还检测出4个无症状的携带者。结论：首次发现SEDL基因IVS2－2A→C突变。该突变引起SEDL基因第2内含子3'端剪接受体改变，使之不能与外显子3正常剪接，可能是SEDL发病的分子基础。检测该突变可进行基因诊断，有重要的临床价值。     

Novel OCTN2 mutations: No genotype–phenotype correlations: Early carnitine therapy prevents cardiomyopathy

Primary systemic carnitine deficiency or carnitine uptake defect (OMIM 212140) is a potentially lethal, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive infantile‐onset cardiomyopathy, weakness, and recurrent hypoglycemic hypoketotic encephalopathy, which is highly responsive to L ‐carnitine therapy. Molecular analysis of the SLC22A5 (OCTN2) gene, encoding the high‐affinity carnitine transporter, was done in 11 affected individuals by direct nucleotide sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from all 10 exons. Carnitine uptake (at Km of 5 μM) in cultured skin fibroblasts ranged from 1% to 20% of normal controls. Eleven mutations (delF23, N32S, and one 11‐bp duplication in exon 1; R169W in exon 3; a donor splice mutation [IVS3+1 G > A] in intron 3; frameshift mutations in exons 5 and 6; Y401X in exon 7; T440M, T468R and S470F in exon 8) are described. There was no correlation between residual uptake and severity of clinical presentation, suggesting that the wide phenotypic variability is likely related to exogenous stressors exacerbating carnitine deficiency. Most importantly, strict compliance with carnitine from birth appears to prevent the phenotype. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the gonadotrophin-regulated testicular helicase (GRTH) gene may be associated with the human spermatogenesis impairment

BACKGROUND: Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH) is a testis-specific RNA helicase that is essential for completion of spermatogenesis and is involved in pathogenesis of impaired spermatogenesis in mouse. It is therefore reasonable to postulate that human GRTH gene may also play a role in impaired spermatogenesis in humans. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the possible association between the variations of the GRTH gene and human spermatogenesis impairment. METHODS: Mutation screening of exons and intron/exon boundaries of GRTH gene was carried out by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) in 347 infertile patients with idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia as well as 201 fertile men. RESULTS: Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), namely IVS6+55G-->T, ISV8+10A-->C, c.852C-->T and c.927G-->A, were identified. Among them, significant differences in polymorphism frequencies were observed at the polymorphic IVS6+55G-->T and c.852C-->T loci between the patients and controls, and a significant association between haplotypes of these two loci and male infertility with impaired spermatogenesis was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study indicate that SNP IVS6+55G-->T and c.852C-->T of GRTH gene may be associated with male infertility with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, suggesting that variations in GRTH gene may contribute to susceptibility to spermatogenic impairment in humans.     

The major allele of the alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase gene: seven novel mutations causing primary hyperoxaluria type 1

We describe 7 novel mutations occurring on the major allele of the human AGT gene in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1, an autosomal recessive disease resulting from a deficiency of the liver peroxisomal enzyme alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT; EC 2.6.1.44). These mutations include 3 small deletions, 570delG, 744delC, and 983_988del, two splice junction mutations, IVS7-1G-->C and IVS8+1G-->T, and two nonsense mutations, R111X and W251X. We have also identified recurrences of previously identified reported mutations, 679-(IVS6+2)delAAgt, IVS8-3C-->G and 33insC. Deletion mutation 679-(IVS6+2)delAAgt has now been identified in a second Chinese patient and may be specific to that population. In contrast, 33insC has been found in patients of varying ethnic and racial backgrounds; a single vs multiple origin for this mutation is thus an intriguing question. It also appears to occur at a high frequency on the major allele. Five of the novel mutations were detected in patients who were compound heterozygotes for one of the common mis-targeting mutation, G170R or F152I, while the other two mutations occurred in the same patient.     

Detection of a common mutation in the RSH or Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome by a PCR-RFLP assay: IVS8-G-->C is found in over sixty percent of US propositi

The RSH or Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a relatively common autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol delta7-reductase (7-DHCR). Mutations in 7-DHCR gene cause SLOS. Among these, a G-->C transversion in the splice acceptor site of exon 9 (IVS8-1G-->C) was suspected to be a frequent mutation, having been detected in about 18% of SLOS patients so far. This mutation results in the elimination of a AlwN1 restriction endonuclease site. We report a simple PCR-RFLP assay to detect the IVS8-1G-->C mutation. Using this method, we identified the IVS8-1G-->C mutation in 21 of 33 SLOS propositi. This mutation was detected in one of 90 normal adult Caucasian Americans; but not among 121 Africans from Sierra Leone, 120 Caucasians from Finland, 95 Chinese or 103 Japanese adults. The results of this study provide further evidence that IVS8-1G-->C transversion is a very common mutation in SLOS patients from the US and that the carrier rate in US caucasians may be high. The simple PCR-RFLP assay developed makes identification of this mutation convenient for diagnosis and for carrier detection.     

Ataxia-telangiectasia in the Japanese population: Identification of R1917X,W2491R,R2909G,IVS33+2T→A,and 7883del5, the latter two being relatively common mutations

We analyzed the data regarding six Japanese ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) patients from four unrelated families, at the DNA level, to search for possible common mutations in the Japanese population. Among eight mutant alleles in the four families, c. 4612del165 (exon 33 skipping) was identified in two alleles, and c. 5749A to T (R1917X), c. 7471T to C (W2491R), c.7883del5, and c. 8725A to G (R2909G) were identified in one allele each. We found no mutations in the other two alleles. The IVS33+2T→A mutation was identified at the genomic level as the cause of exon 33 skipping. We also identified the IVS33+2T→A mutation in a Japanese patient ATL105 who was previously found to be a homozygote of c. 4612del165. W2491R and R2909G mutations were not detected in more than 100 control Japanese alleles. The latter is located in a highly conserved PI-3 kinase domain and is a completely conserved residue among ATM-related proteins. Taken together with previously documented mutations in five other Japanese A-T patients, IVS33+2T→A and 7883del5 were identified in four and five alleles, respectively, in a total of 18 mutant alleles of Japanese A-T patients. These results suggest that these two mutations are relatively common mutations in the Japanese population. Hum Mutat 12:338–343, 1998.© 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.