DHCR7 nonsense mutations and characterisation of mRNA nonsense mediated decay in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J S Waye.
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Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by mutations in the DHCR7 gene. Thirty-seven ethnic Polish patients with SLOS underwent mutation analysis. The mutation frequencies in Polish patients were significantly different from those observed in Western European populations. Two mutations, W151X (22/68 alleles, 32%) and V326L (19/68 alleles, 28%), accounted for 60% of all observed in our cohort. Two missense mutations L68P and L360P have not been reported previously. In total, we report 15 DHCR7 mutations identified in Polish patients. By comparing clinical severity scores and the biochemical and molecular data, a genotype-phenotype correlation was attempted. In compound heterozygotes with one null mutation, the phenotype severity depends on the localization and type of the second mutation: mild phenotypes are correlated with mutations affecting the putative transmembrane domains TM1-TM6 or CT regions and severe phenotypes with mutations localized in TM7 and 4L region. The phenotypic differences of patients with the same genotype suggest that severity of the disease may be affected by other factors.
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Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (RHS) (SLOS, OMIM 270400) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by mutations of the 3beta-hydroxysterol Delta(7)-Delta(8)-reductase gene, DHCR7. We report a fetus with holoprosencephaly and multiple congenital anomalies who was homozygous for the IVS8-1G-->C mutation. Following termination of pregnancy, both the elevated amniotic fluid 7-dehydrocholesterol level and the DHCR7 mutations were demonstrated. Two other newborn infants with IVS8-1G-->C/IVS8-1G-->C genotype are described. This report illustrates a severe phenotypic extreme of SLOS associated with a null genotype, underscores the complex relationship between SLOS and holoprosencephaly, and discusses the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of holoprosencephaly in SLOS.
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an inherited multiple malformation syndrome caused by enzymatic deficiency of 3beta-hydroxysterol-Delta(7)-reductase (DHCR7). SLOS is thought to be most common among European Caucasians, with an incidence of 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 30,000 births. To define the carrier rate and ethnic distribution of SLOS, we screened DNA samples from 2,978 unrelated individuals for the most common SLOS mutation (IVS8-1G-->C). Twenty-four heterozygotes of the IVS8-1G-->C mutation were detected in 2,978 individuals of European Caucasian and Black backgrounds. For European Caucasians, the carrier rate for SLOS may be as high as 1 in 30, suggesting an incidence of 1 in 1,700 to 1 in 13,400. This high number is supported by the recent observation of newborn and prenatal incidence of 1 in 22,000 in the Caucasian population. Ours is the first report of the IVS8-1G-->C mutation in persons of African ancestry. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by mutations of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase gene (DHCR7). We report on three cousins with SLOS, all of whom were found to be compound heterozygotes for the common splice site mutation IVS8-1G-->C and the missense mutation T289I. DNA analysis of one set of parents demonstrated that the father carried the missense mutation and the mother carried the IVS8-1G-->C mutation. By extension, the two unrelated mothers were both heterozygous for IVS8-1G-->C. This finding supports the notion of a high carrier frequency of the IVS8-1G-->C null mutation in Northern European Caucasians.
Over the past decade, we have characterized at the DNA level a total of 116 hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease patients living in Canada. The majority of patients were of southeast Asian descent (Chinese, Filipino, Laotian, Vietnamese), with a small number being of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or East Indian background. A total of 15 distinct genotypes were detected, all but one being compound heterozygotes for a two-gene cis deletion and a single-gene deletion (-alpha/-) or a non-deletion mutation of the alpha2-globin gene (alpha(T) alpha/-). Seven different two-gene cis deletions were encountered, along with nine single-gene deletions and point mutations. The wide range of mutations associated with Hb H disease in Canada is a reflection of the population heterogeneity. The diagnosis of Hb H disease at the molecular level is important with respect to genetic counseling and the identification of families at risk for having pregnancies affected with Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome and/or Hb H disease. Six of the Hb H disease patients in our cohort had spouses who carried single-gene deletions, making these couples at risk for having children with Hb H disease. More important, seven patients had partners who carried two-gene cis deletions. These couples are at reproductive risk for both Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome and Hb H disease.
The brief history of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) (MIM 270400) reflects that of latter 20th century dysmorphology and biochemical and molecular genetics: from its first description as a rare but characteristic multiple malformation syndrome known only to a handful of dysmorphologists, to a relatively common Garrodian defect with a complex molecular basis that has captured the attention of researchers and basic scientists from the fields as diverse as embryology, developmental biology, sterol biochemistry, epidemiology, and teratology. The discovery of the underlying biochemical defect - deficiency of 3beta-hydroxysteroid-Delta7-reductase (DHCR7), an enzyme catalyzing the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis, and the resultant generalized cholesterol deficiency - has led to an explosion of knowledge of this biochemical pathway and to a paradigm shift in the recognition of metabolic deficiencies as causes of dysmorphic syndromes. Characterization of the human DHCR7 gene and the identification of mutations in patients with SLOS have revealed a complex picture of molecular heterogeneity and provided insights into the structure and function of DHCR7. SLOS is the first metabolic malformation syndrome with profound effects on the body plan, and its discovery has paved the way to the discovery of a number of other defects of the cholesterol synthetic pathway.
We have examined the phenotypic effects of 21 independent deletions from the fully sequenced and annotated 356 kb telomeric region of the short arm of chromosome 16 (16p13.3). Fifteen genes contained within this region have been highly conserved throughout evolution and encode proteins involved in important housekeeping functions, synthesis of haemoglobin, signalling pathways and critical developmental pathways. Although a priori many of these genes would be considered candidates for critical haploinsufficient genes, none of the deletions within the 356 kb interval cause any discernible phenotype other than alpha thalassaemia whether inherited via the maternal or paternal line. These findings contrast with previous observations on patients with larger (> 1 Mb) deletions from the 16p telomere and therefore address the mechanisms by which monosomy gives rise to human genetic disease.
Haemoglobin H (Hb H) disease is caused by deletion or inactivation of three alpha-globin genes, leaving only one intact and active alpha-globin gene. People with Hb H disease usually have moderate anaemia, but are generally thought to be asymptomatic. Some Hb H disease patients require transfusions, and there are reports of fetuses with Hb H disease who have severe anaemia in utero resulting in fatal hydrops foetalis syndrome. We now report a case of Hb H hydrops foetalis syndrome, caused by the inheritance of a hitherto novel alpha-globin gene point mutation (codon 35 TCC-->CCC or Serine-->Proline) and an alpha-thalassaemia deletion of the Filipino type removing all zeta-alpha-globin genes on the other chromosome 16. The infant was delivered prematurely because of pericardial effusion and fetal distress, and was found to have severe anaemia and congenital anomalies. A review of the relevant literature on this syndrome is presented, and serves to underscore the phenotypic variations of Hb H disease and the need for surveillance for this condition among newborns and genetic counselling in communities with a high proportion of at-risk populations.
A Chinese family with concurrent hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and haemoglobin (Hb) Q-Thailand is described. The Hb Q-Thailand mutation was found on the remaining alpha1 globin gene on a chromosome 16 containing the (-alpha 4.2) deletion. Active haemolysis in members of this family is segregated with the HS phenotype, and the Hb Q-Thailand in the heterozygous state does not seem to show any modulating effect on HS.
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The most common causes of alpha-thalassemia are deletions that remove one or both of the functional alpha-globin genes. In addition, more than 30 different point mutations and small deletions/insertions have been reported for the alpha-globin genes. Here, we describe two new mutations occurring in exon 2 of the alpha1-globin gene. One mutation is an insertion of 21 bp that gives rise to a predicted alpha-globin chain containing a duplication of amino acid residues 93-99. The second mutation is a 33 bp deletion resulting in a predicted alpha-globin chain that is missing amino acid residues 64-74. Neither mutation results in a detectable hemoglobin variant, indicating that the variant alpha-globin chains are highly unstable. Carriers of these mutations have mild microcytosis and the phenotype of alpha+-thalassemia trait.
Newborn screening is an accepted public health measure to ensure that appropriate health care is provided in a timely manner to infants with hereditary/metabolic disorders. Alpha-thalassemia is a common hemoglobin (Hb) disorder, and causes Hb H (beta4) disease, and usually fatal homozygous alpha(0)-thalassemia, also known as Hb Bart's (gamma4) hydrops fetalis syndrome. In 1996, the State of California began to investigate the feasibility of universal newborn screening for Hb H disease. Initial screening was done on blood samples obtained by heel pricks from newborns, and stored as dried blood spots on filter paper. Hb Bart's levels were measured as fast-moving Hb by automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identical to that currently used in newborn screening for sickle cell disease. Subsequent confirmation of Hb H disease was done by DNA-based diagnostics for alpha-globin genotyping. A criterion of 25% or more Hb Bart's as determined by HPLC detects most, if not all cases of Hb H disease, and few cases of alpha-thalassemia trait. From January, 1998, through June, 2000, 89 newborns were found to have Hb H disease. The overall prevalence for Hb H disease among all newborns in California is approximately 1 per 15,000. Implementation of this program to existing newborn hemoglobinopathy screening in populations with significant proportions of southeast Asians is recommended. The correct diagnosis would allow affected infants to be properly cared for, and would also raise awareness for the prevention of homozygous alpha(0)-thalassemia or Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome.
Alpha-thalassemia is a common hereditary anemia due to decreased or absent synthesis of alpha-globin chains. The most common causes of alpha-thalassemia are deletions that remove one or both functional alpha-globin genes, with a small proportion of cases involving nondeletional mutations of the alpha2- or alpha1-globin genes. Herein, we describe a single-tube multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) assay for rapid detection of six of the most common and severe nondeletional alpha-thalassemia mutations. These alleles are found predominantly among southeast Asian populations, and are associated with the most severe forms of hemoglobin (Hb) H disease or Hb H hydrops fetalis.
AIMS: To investigate whether it is worthwhile, in areas where thalassaemia is common, to screen for globin gene mutations in subjects with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) above 80 fL, especially in partners of known thalassaemia carriers. METHODS: Blood samples from 95 subjects with MCV between 80 and 85 fL were screened for the presence of alpha globin gene mutations and the haemoglobin (Hb) E mutation. RESULTS: Thirty four subjects harboured globin gene mutations. Of these, 31 had deletions of one alpha globin gene, one had Hb Constant Spring, and three had Hb E mutations. CONCLUSION: Based on the above figures and known prevalence rates of thalassaemia carriers, it would seem worthwhile to screen for globin gene mutations in partners of known thalassaemia carriers, regardless of MCV, to identify pregnancies at risk of Hb H disease or Hb E/beta thalassaemia.
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