Novel locus for autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy CORD8 mapping to chromosome 1q12-Q24

PURPOSE: To map the disease locus of a two-generation, consanguineous Pakistani family with autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy (arCRD). All affected individuals had night blindness, deterioration of central vision, photophobia, epiphora in bright light, and problems with color distinction. Fundoscopy revealed marked macular degeneration and attenuation of retinal vessels. Mild pigmentary changes were present in the periphery. METHODS: Genomic DNA was amplified across the polymorphic microsatellite poly-CA regions identified by markers. Alleles were assigned to individuals that allowed calculation of LOD scores using the Cyrillic (Cherwell Scientific, Oxford, UK) and MLINK (accessed from ftp://linkage. rockefeller.edu/softeware/linkage/) software programs. The cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2), cone transducin alpha-subunit (GNAT2), potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 10 (KCNJ10), genes were analyzed by heteroduplex analysis and direct sequencing for mutations. RESULTS: A new locus for arCRD (CORD8) has been mapped to chromosome 1q12-q24. A maximum two-point LOD score of 4.22 was obtained with marker D1S2635 at recombination fraction of theta = 0.00. Two critical recombinations in the pedigree positioned this locus to a region flanked by markers D1S457 and D1S2681. A region of homozygosity was observed within the loci D1S442 and D1S2681, giving a probable critical disease interval of 21 cM. Mutation screening of the three candidate genes CRABP2, GNAT2, and KCNJ10 revealed no disease-associated mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings therefore suggest that this phenotype maps to a new locus and is due to an as yet uncharacterized gene within the 1q12-q24 chromosomal region.     

A new locus for autosomal dominant congenital cataracts maps to chromosome 3

PURPOSE: To map a gene for cataracts in a family with congenital nuclear and sutural cataracts and to examine candidate genes in the linked region. METHODS: A large family with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear and sutural cataracts was identified and characterized. A genome-wide screen was conducted with a set of markers spaced at 10- to 15-cM intervals, and linkage was assessed using standard LOD score analysis. RESULT: Fifteen (15) affected individuals were identified. This form of congenital cataracts maps to a 12-cM region on chromosome 3q21.2-q22.3 between markers D3S3674 and D3S3612, with a maximum multipoint LOD score of 6.94 at D3S1273. The crystallin gene, CRYGS, was excluded as a candidate gene for this locus. CONCLUSIONS: There are now more than 12 different genetic loci that cause congenital cataracts. The most recent locus to be identified is on chromosome 3q21.2-q22.3, in a family with congenital nuclear and sutural cataracts.     

中国人常染色体遗传的病理性近视基因定位

目的在中国人群中进行病理性近视致病基因的定位。方法1个12人的病理性近视家系（患者7名）经过研究人员告知,同意参加本研究。从每个家系成员静脉血中提取DNA,选取覆盖全基因组的330对高度杂合的微卫星DNA引物,进行基因组扫描;以常染色体显性遗传为模式,基因频率0．0133和外显率100％的条件下,运用Linkage软件进行二点连锁分析,运用Genehunter软件进行多点连锁分析。标记位点之间的遗传距离根据Genethon连锁图谱来确定。基于最低重组率原则,用cyanic软件构建单倍型。结果二点连锁分析发现15号染色体长臂上存在与病理性近视密切连锁的位点。在重组率为0的情况下,最大对数优势记分（LOD）值1．76出现在D15S1010,D15S1007和D15S1042位点;多点连锁分析也支持这个区域内存在连锁,最大NIL值为5．16。单倍型分析把这个近视眼位点局限在15q12-13上D15S1019和D15S146之间大约12cM的区间内。在已知的近视眼相关位点,包括18p11．31,12q21-23,7q36,17q21-22,4q22-q27,2q37．1,15q15-21,12q13．11-13．2,6p21．3,1q21-31,1p21和21q22．3,均没有发现明确的连锁证据。结论在15q12-13可能存在一个新的近视眼基因位点。在这个区域内至少有94个已知的基因,因此有必要对此区域进行测序寻找致病基因,这个新的基因位点的发现也证实了病理性近视存在很强的遗传异质性。     

A genome-wide scan maps a novel juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma locus to 15q

PURPOSE: To map the disease-associated locus of a family with autosomal dominant juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG). METHODS: A complete ophthalmic examination was conducted, and genomic DNA was obtained from 25 members of a Chinese family, of which eight were confirmed as having JOAG. Myocilin (MYOC), optineurin (OPTN), and WD repeat-domain 36 (WDR36) were screened for sequence alterations, by PCR and direct sequencing. Subsequently, a genome-wide scan was performed (Prism Linkage Mapping Set MD-10; Applied Biosystems, Inc., Foster City, CA). Two-point and multipoint linkage analyses were performed with the MLINK, ILINK, and LINKMAP programs. For fine mapping, additional markers flanking the most promising region on 15q were analyzed. The significance of the lod score was tested with simulation analyses by using FASTLINK. Haplotypes were constructed with Simwalk2. Three candidate genes, NR2E3, SMAD6, and CLN6, located within the critical region, were screened for mutations. RESULTS: MYOC, OPTN, and WDR36 mutations were excluded in all family members. A maximum two-point lod score of 3.31 at theta = 0.0 was obtained for the marker D15S125. Four adjacent markers, rs2030040, rs169169963, D15S153, and D15S131, gave two-point lod scores of 2.41, 2.90, 3.02, and 2.68, respectively, at theta = 0.0. Haplotype analysis and recombination mapping further confined this region to 15q22-q24 within a genetic distance of 16.6 Mb flanked by D15S1036 and rs922693. No mutations were found in the coding exons and splicing junctions of NR2E3, SMAD6, and CLN6. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence for the mapping of a novel locus for JOAG at 15q22-q24. A further search for the disease-causing gene in this new JOAG locus is in progress.     

Mapping X-linked ophthalmic diseases. Provisional assignment of the locus for choroideremia to Xq13-q24

Choroideremia (McK 30310), an X-linked hereditary retinal dystrophy, causes nyctalopia, progressive visual field loss, and ultimately central blindness in affected males in early adulthood. We have used restriction fragment length polymorphisms from the X-chromosome to localize the region of the mutation for choroideremia in three families with this disorder. One polymorphic marker, DXYS1, located within Xq13-q21, shows no recombination with choroideremia at a LOD score of 5.78. Thus choroideremia maps within 9 centiMorgans of DXYS1 at 90% probability. Another marker, DXS11, located at Xq24-q26, shows no recombination with choroideremia but at a smaller LOD score of 1.54. These results suggest that the locus for choroideremia is distal to DXYS1 and between the two markers in the region Xq13-q24. This information may be useful for antenatal diagnosis, isolation of the mutant gene, and development of a rational therapy for the disorder.     

Locus for autosomal recessive nonsyndromic persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous

PURPOSE: To map the disease locus in a six-generation, consanguineous Pakistani family affected by nonsyndromic autosomal recessive persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (arPHPV). All affected individuals had peripheral anterior synechiae and corneal opacities with variable degrees of cataract and a retrolenticular white mass behind the lens. METHODS: Genomic DNA from family members was typed for alleles at more than 400 known polymorphic genetic markers, by polymerase chain reaction. Alleles were assigned to individuals, which allowed calculation of lod scores. RESULTS: A maximum two-point lod score of 4.07 was obtained with marker D10S1225 with no recombination. Two recombinations with marker D10S208 and D10S537 localized the disease within a region of approximately 30 centimorgans (cM). However, homozygosity across the region refined the arPHPV locus to 13 cM. CONCLUSIONS: Linkage analysis shows localization of nonsyndromic arPHPV to chromosome10q11-q21.     

First genomic localization of oculo-oto-dental syndrome with linkage to chromosome 20q13.1

PURPOSE: To characterize the phenotype of autosomal dominant oculo-oto-dental (OOD) syndrome, map the disease locus in a five-generation British family, and evaluate a candidate gene. METHODS: Full clinical assessments in all affected patients included slit lamp and retina examination, refraction, A-scan ultrasound, audiograms, and dental assessments. Genomic DNA from all family members was genotyped, by polymerase chain reaction, for polymorphic genetic markers covering the entire genome. Two-point LOD scores were generated using a linkage analysis suite of computer programs. The gene for eyes absent 2 (EYA2) was screened for mutations by direct automated sequencing and Southern blot analysis. RESULTS: All the affected individuals examined had iris and retina coloboma associated with high-frequency, progressive, sensorineural deafness and globodontia. This is the only genetic disease known to result in pathologically enlarged teeth. The locus for OOD (OOD1) was mapped to 20q13.1. A maximum two-point LOD score of 3.31 was obtained with marker locus D20S836 at a recombination fraction of theta; = 0.00. Two critical recombinations in the pedigree positioned this locus to a region flanked by marker loci D20S108 and D20S159, giving a critical disease interval of 12 centimorgans (cM). Mutation screening of one candidate gene, EYA2, revealed no disease-associated mutations or polymorphic variants. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first genetic localization for the OOD phenotype (ODD1). The disease-causing gene is localized within a 12-cM critical region of chromosome 20q13.1. The identification of the disease gene is not only relevant to the study of vision and hearing defects, but also highlights an exceptional gene involved in the development of human dentition.     

The benign concentric annular macular dystrophy locus maps to 6p12.3-q16

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical findings and to identify the genetic locus in a Dutch family with autosomal dominant benign concentric annular macular dystrophy (BCAMD). METHODS: All family members underwent ophthalmic examination. Linkage analysis of candidate retinal dystrophy loci and a whole genome scan were performed. Five candidate genes from the linked locus were analyzed for mutations by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The BCAMD phenotype is initially characterized by parafoveal hypopigmentation and good visual acuity, but progresses to a retinitis pigmentosa-like phenotype. Linkage analysis established complete segregation of the BCAMD phenotype (maximum multipoint LOD score, 3.8) with DNA markers at chromosome 6, region p12.3-q16. Recombination events defined a critical interval spanning 30.7 cM at the long arm of chromosome 6 between markers D6S269 and D6S300. This interval encompasses several retinal dystrophy loci, including the ELOVL4 gene, mutated in autosomal dominant Stargardt disease, and the RIM1 gene, mutated in autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy, as well as the retinally expressed GABRR1 and -2 genes. Mutation screening of these four genes revealed no mutations. Sequence analysis of the interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 1 gene IMPG1, also residing in the BCAMD locus, revealed a single base-pair change (T-->C) of nucleotide 1866 in exon 13, resulting in a Leu579Pro amino acid substitution. This mutation was absent in 190 control individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Significant linkage was found for the BCAMD defect with chromosomal 6, region p12.3-q16. A Leu579Pro mutation in the IMPG1 gene may play a causal role.     

先天性核性白内障家系致病基因的定位与候选基因突变检测

目的 对中国一常染色体显性遗传性先天性核性白内障家系进行致病基因的定位与候选基因突变检测.方法 实验研究.采集家系成员的外周静脉血,提取基因组DNA.用约400个中密度微卫星标记进行基因扫描,平均遗传距离10厘摩(cM).利用LINKAGE软件包进行连锁分析.在阳性定位区域内选取更为精细的微卫星标记进行精细定位.利用CYRILLIC软件进行单体型分析,确定候选基因所在染色体区域.候选基因直接测序检测基因突变.结果两点间连锁分析在微卫星标记D2S325处获得最大对数优势计分(LOD)值Zmax=2.29(θmax=0.00).精细定位和单体型分析将致病基因定位于微卫星标记D2S117和D2S2382之间,遗传距离约19.04 cM,染色体位置为2q32.3-q35.候选基因直接测序发现CRYGC基因第3外显子第470碱基一个G→A的点突变.结论本研究将我国一个先天性核性白内障家系的致病基因定位于2号染色体2q32.3-q35约19.04cM区域内,并在CRYGC基因发现一个新的点突变与此家系共分离.(中华眼科杂志,2009,45:234-238)     

Structural model of the OPA1 GTPase domain may explain the molecular consequences of a novel mutation in a family with autosomal dominant optic atrophy

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most frequent hereditary optic neuropathy. Three loci have been reported for ADOA: a major locus, harboring all identified mutations to date, maps to 3q28 (OPA1), a second locus is linked to 18q12.2-q12.3 (OPA4) and a third locus on 22q12.1-q13.1 (OPA5) has been reported recently. We describe a six-generation Iranian family in which optic atrophy runs as an autosomal dominant trait with an age of onset at 14-15years. We performed linkage analysis with markers mapping to 3q28 and 18q12.2-q12.3 and found linkage to 3q28. Subsequent sequencing of OPA1 identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.1313A>G) replacing aspartic acid by glycine (p.D438G) in the GTPase domain of OPA1. Interestingly, another missense mutation at the same position (c.1313A>T, D438V) has been reported before in two unrelated German families, indicating a possible mutation hot spot. Further evidence supporting the importance of D438 is its conservation from human to acoelomata. OPA1 is believed to be the human orthologue of yeast MGM1, a dynamin-related protein required for the integrity of mitochondrial DNA. Homology modeling of the OPA1 GTPase domain revealed extensive structural similarity to the Dictyostelium dynamin A GTPase domain and showed that D438 may interact with residues of the G1 and the G4 motifs, which are crucial in coordinating GTP. Based on this analysis, we propose a mechanism which explains the gradual decline of vision in ADOA patients with OPA1 mutations at position 438.     

常染色体显性遗传性先天性白内障一家系致病基因的初步定位

目的 初步定位常染色体显性遗传性先天性白内障(ADCC)一家系的致病基因。方法 收集ADCC一家系资料,在已知先天性白内障致病基因和位点附近,选择合适的短串联重复序列多态性标记(STRP),对ADCC一家系进行连锁分析,使用Mlink软件采用对数优势记分法(LOD)计算LOD值。结果 在STRP中,D17S805、D17S1294及D17S1293与致病基因位点连锁的最大LOD值分别为2．03、2．49及2．22(重组率0=0)。结论 该ADCC家系的致病基因初步定位在第17对染色体上;CRYBA1基因为候选基因。（中华眼科杂志,2004,40：824-827)     

常染色体显性视网膜色素变性家系基因定位的研究

目的 对一个常染色体显性视网膜色素变性大家系进行基因定位。方法 收集视网膜色素变性家系,并对该家系成员进行详细眼部检查;抽取外周血3－5ml并提取DNA;采用多个已知遗传标记与该家系致病基因位点进行连锁分析。结果 两点连锁分析结果显示该家系致病基因位点与遗传位标D3S1292连锁,在θ＝0．1时间到最大LOD值2．73。结论 D3S1292位于3号染色体长臂2区1带（3q21),从而将该家系致病基因位点大致定位于3q21附近。同时有文献报道视紫红质基因位点也位于3q染色体上,且与D3S1292邻近,因此该家系的致病基因很可能是视紫红质基因。     

Genetic linkage analyses and Cx50 mutation detection in a large multiplex Chinese family with hereditary nuclear cataract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to characterize the underlying mutation in a large multiplex Chinese family with hereditary nuclear cataract.

Methods: A 6-generation Chinese family having hereditary nuclear cataract was recruited and clinically verified. Blood DNA samples were obtained from 53 available family members. Linkage analyses were performed on the known candidate regions for hereditary cataract with 36 polymorphic microsatellite markers. To identify mutations related to cataract, a direct sequencing approach was applied to a candidate gene residing in our linkage locus.

Results: A linkage locus was identified with a maximum 2-point LOD score of 4.31 (recombination fraction?=?0) at marker D1S498 and a maximum multipoint LOD score of 5.7 between markers D1S2344 and D1S498 on chromosome 1q21.1, where the candidate gene Cx50 is located. Direct sequencing of Cx50 showed a 139 G to A transition occurred in all affected family members. This transitional mutation resulted in a replacement of aspartic acid by asparagine at residue 47 (D47N) and led to a loss-of-function of the protein.

Conclusions: The D47N mutation of Cx50 causes the hereditary nuclear cataract in this family in an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance.     

A locus for autosomal dominant keratoconus: linkage to 16q22.3-q23.1 in Finnish families

PURPOSE: The estimated world-wide prevalence of keratoconus is 50 to 230 per 100,000 in the general population. Sporadic keratoconus is the leading cause of corneal transplantation surgery in Western countries. Positive family history has been reported in 6% to 8% of patients. The purpose of this study was to map the disease locus in 20 Finnish families with autosomal dominant keratoconus, each family having two or more affected members and with no other associated genetic disease. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood samples, collected from 42 affected and 34 unaffected family members. Genomic DNA from patients and their parents, was typed for alleles of 292 polymorphic markers. A genome-wide screening was performed to localize the disease gene. Fluorescent markers were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and separated on an automated sequencer. Allele sizes were assigned to each family member, after which LOD scores were calculated. RESULTS: The disease locus was mapped to chromosome 16q, between the markers D16S2624 and D16S3090, with a maximum parametric multipoint LOD score of 4.10 and corresponding nonparametric score of 3.27 (NPL, P = 0.00006). Evidence from 20 families provided support for the linkage, consistent with a single locus for familial autosomal dominant keratoconus without heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first genome-wide linkage study to map the keratoconus gene. The results suggest that the causative gene in keratoconus is located within the 16q22.3-q23.1 chromosomal region.     

Endothelial dystrophy,iris hypoplasia,congenital cataract,and stromal thinning (edict) syndrome maps to chromosome 15q22.1-q25.3

PURPOSE: To localize a gene causing a newly described autosomal dominant anterior segment dysgenesis characterized by corneal endothelial dystrophy, iris hypoplasia, congenital cataracts, and corneal stromal thinning (EDICT syndrome).DESIGN: Experimental study.METHODS: A set of microsatellite markers spanning the 22 human autosomes was used to perform linkage analysis on affected and unaffected individuals within a single family.RESULTS: Linkage analysis of the anterior segment dysgenesis endothelial dystrophy, iris hypoplasia, congenital cataract, and stromal thinning (EDICT) syndrome in this family revealed a logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 2.71 on chromosome 15q22.1-25.3 between markers D15993 and D15S202. These results suggest a gene for EDICT syndrome lies in this chromosomal region.CONCLUSIONS: A LOD score of 2.71 suggests a novel locus associated with the newly described EDICT syndrome lies in a region of chromosome 15 between markers D15S993 and D15S202. Identification of the disease-causing gene in this region may yield insights into a broad range of disorders affecting the corneal stroma, endothelium, iris, and lens.     

Novel mutations in the TULP1 gene causing autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE: To assess the contribution of TULP1 to autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP). METHODS: Fifteen exons of the gene were screened by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of 7 (of 49) arRP pedigrees showing cosegregation with TULP1 locus markers. RESULTS: In one of the seven families two allelic mutations, IVS4-2delAGA and c.937delC, were found in exons 5 and 10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Two novel mutations in TULP1 were found to be associated with arRP. That they both compromise the gene product supports their pathogenicity. This gene was present in no more than 2% of a panel of 49 Spanish families affected by arRP.     

Familial cavitary optic disk anomalies: identification of a novel genetic locus

PURPOSE: To identify the chromosomal location of the gene involved in the pathogenesis of cavitary optic disk anomalies in a large pedigree with autosomal dominant inheritance of disease. DESIGN: Linkage analysis of a pedigree affected with cavitary optic disk anomalies. METHODS: Optic disk photographs were examined for the presence of cavitary optic disk anomalies. Sixteen affected family members and one obligate carrier were identified and studied with linkage analysis using both microarrays of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeat polymorphism (STRP) markers. RESULTS: Multipoint linkage analysis of SNP genotypes yielded a maximum nonparametric logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 21.7 with markers located on chromosome 12q. Linkage was confirmed with 16 STRP markers in the 12q region. A maximum two-point LOD score of 4.06 (theta = 0) was obtained with marker D12S1700. The disease interval defined by observed recombinants is 9.1 cM, which corresponds to 13.5 Mbp. Three candidate genes (GDF-11, NEUROD4, and WIF1) in the chromosome 12q locus were evaluated as possible disease-causing genes. No mutations were detected in the coding sequence of these genes. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of the chromosomal location of a gene responsible for cavitary optic disk anomalies is a key step in identifying the genetic basis of this condition and ultimately may provide important insight into the pathogenesis of more common optic nerve diseases such as normal-tension glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).     

视网膜色素变性显性遗传家系3号染色体连锁分析

目的：用连锁分析法对三个显性视网膜色素变性家系(CY、WN、ZH)3号染色体进行分析，确定致病基因。方法：随机选取3号染色体视紫红质(rhodopsin，RH0)基因上下约5厘摩(centimorgan cM)范围内的6对微卫星标记(marker)，确立单倍体型，用两点法计算最大优势对数(LOD SCORE)值。结果：所选微卫星标记与CY、WN家系表型间LOD值呈负相关关系，而ZH家系与位点D3S3606间LOD值为2．52。结论：RH0基因为CY、WN家系的非候选基因，RHO基因可能是家系ZF致病基因。     

Genetic ground of primary open angle glaucoma

Among basic risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the leading place takes positive family history. It is generally accepted that this type of glaucoma presents multifactored determination, however pedigrees that follow autosomal dominant way of inheritance are also described. Genetic studies made by linkage analysis enabled to map six loci, linked to development of primary open-angle glaucoma: GLC1A - in 1q21-q31 region, GLC1B - in 2cen-q13 region, GLC1C- in 3q14-q24 region, GLC1D - in 8q23 region, GLC1E- in 10p15-p14 region and GLC1F - in 7q35-q36 region. During last years, in GLC1A locus the TIGR gene that codes for myocilin was cloned and in GLC1E locus the OPTN gene that codes for optineurin was cloned. It was also proved that their mutations are responsible for development of several forms of POAG. Simultaneously it was shown that there are some additional modifier genes, such as CYP1B1 gene, mapped in 2p22-p21 region and coding one of the cytochrome P450 polypeptide, what indicates a possibility of digenic inheritance of POAG.