Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Mundlos

Publications and source records attributed to S Mundlos.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Altered growth and branching patterns in synpolydactyly caused by mutations in HOXD13.

Hox genes regulate patterning during limb development. It is believed that they function in the determination of the timing and extent of local growth rates. Here, it is demonstrated that synpolydactyly, an inherited human abnormality of the hands and feet, is caused by expansions of a polyalanine stretch in the amino-terminal region of HOXD13. The homozygous phenotype includes the transformation of metacarpal and metatarsal bones to short carpal- and tarsal-like bones. The mutations identify the polyalanine stretch outside of the DNA binding domain of HOXD13 as a region necessary for proper protein function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mapping of the gene for cleidocranial dysplasia in the historical Cape Town (Arnold) kindred and evidence for locus homogeneity.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant disorder, features of which include a patient anterior fontanelle, a bulging calvarium, hypoplasia or aplasia of the clavicles, a wide public symphysis, dental anomalies, vertebral malformation, and short stature. The Cape Town kindred which is under our genetic management was originally described more than four decades ago and now consists of more than 1000 people. Following reports of rearrangements on chromosomes 6 and 8 in people with CCD, we have carried out linkage analyses between highly information microsatellite dinucleotide repeat markers in the rearranged regions and the disorder in a branch of this South African CCD kindred, consisting of 38 subjects, 18 of whom are affected. Maximum lod scores (at theta = 0.00) of 7.14 (for marker D6S459), 4.32 (TCTE), 4.99 (D6S452), 5.97 (D6S269), and 3.95 (D6S465) confirm linkage of the disorder to the short arm of chromosome 6. Our data indicate that the CCD gene is located within a minimal region of approximately 10 cM flanked by the marker D6S451 distally and D6S466 proximally. This information is vital towards isolating and characterising the gene for CCD, and is being used to construct a physical map of 6p21.1-6p21.3. More importantly, mapping of the locus in the South African kindred of mixed ancestry, in which the "founder" of the disorder was of Chinese origin, suggests that a single locus is responsible for classic CCD.

Child↗

A COL2A1 mutation in achondrogenesis type II results in the replacement of type II collagen by type I and III collagens in cartilage.

An autosomal dominant mutation in the COL2A1 gene was identified in a fetus with achondrogenesis type II. A transition of G2853 to A in exon 41 produced a substitution of Gly769 by Ser within the triple helical domain of the alpha 1(II) chain of type II collagen, interrupting the mandatory Gly-X-Y triplet sequence required for the normal formation of stable triple helical type II collagen molecules, resulting in the complete absence of type II collagen in the cartilage, which had a gelatinous composition. Type I and III collagens were the major species found in cartilage tissue and synthesized by cultured chondrocytes along with cartilage type XI collagen. However, cultured chondrocytes produced a trace amount of type II collagen, which was retained within the cells and not secreted. In situ hybridization of cartilage sections showed that the chondrocytes produced both type II and type I collagen mRNA. As a result, it is likely that the chondrocytes produced type II collagen molecules, which were then degraded. The close proximity of the Gly769 substitution by Ser to the mammalian collagenase cleavage site at Gly775-Leu776 may have produced an unstable domain that was highly susceptible to proteolysis. The type I and III collagens that replaced type II collagen were unable to maintain the normal structure of the hyaline cartilage but did support chondrocyte maturation, evidenced by the expression of type X collagen in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate cartilage.

Abortion, Induced↗

Genetic mapping of cleidocranial dysplasia and evidence of a microdeletion in one family.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal, dominantly inherited disorder of high penetrance affecting skeletal ossification and tooth development. Typically, affected individuals have hypoplastic/aplastic clavicles, patent fontanelles and sutures, supernumerary teeth, and short stature. We have used a candidate locus approach to map the responsible gene in two families with typical features of CCD. Linkage was established between CCD and four loci (D6S426, D6S451, D6S459, TCTE1) that span a region of 10 cM on chromosome 6p. A maximum lod score, Zmax, of 4.1 at a recombination fraction of zero was obtained at D6S451. One highly polymorphic microsatellite from this region (D6S459) showed allelic loss in all affected members of one family with two different sets of primers. The presence of a deletion in this area was confirmed by Southern blot analysis using a probe derived from the amplification product of the D6S459 marker. The data assign a gene for CCD to chromosome 6p21 and suggest that a microdeletion within an area of tight linkage to the CCD-phenotype has been identified.

Base Sequence↗

Developmental expression of human cartilage matrix protein.

Cartilage matrix protein (CMP) is a non-collagenous component of cartilage with a yet unknown function. In this study we used in situ hybridization to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of CMP transcripts during human embryonic and early fetal development, and compared it to the pattern of expression observed for collagen types I, II, X, and decorin. The distribution of CMP and collagen type II transcripts followed a similar pattern in the embryonic bone anlage, the fetal growth plate, and the developing vertebral column. Expression was highest in the upper hypertrophic and lower proliferative zone, whereas calcified cartilage was negative throughout the different stages of bone development. Chondrocytes of calcified cartilage, however, were not quiescent but expressed collagen type X. The onset of collagen type X expression was linked to hypertrophy and occurred before calcification became apparent. In contrast, decorin and collagen type I were highly expressed in bone and perichondrium but not in growth plate cartilage. During the development of the synovial joints a different pattern of expression emerged. After formation of the joint cavity, there was a halt in expression of CMP but not of collagen type II in chondrocytes close to the articular surface. A band of CMP negative chondrocytes covering the joint surface was observed in all joints investigated. Decorin mRNA was demonstrated in the reserve zone adjacent to the joints, but not in articular cartilage. Extraskeletal expression of CMP was observed in the embryonic retina. The results demonstrate the differential expression of CMP during human skeletal development and chondrocyte differentiation. The distribution of CMP transcripts is unique and distinct from other known matrix genes.

Bone and Bones↗

Autosomal dominant spondylarthropathy due to a type II procollagen gene (COL2A1) point mutation.

Osteoarthrosis represents a very common disease with heterogeneous etiology. In some pedigrees linkage of the condition with the type II collagen gene (COL2A1) has been established, but information on the underlying gene defect is still incomplete as only one mutation causing this phenotype has been identified. We analyzed the COL2A1 gene in a 27-year-old woman and her 47-year-old mother presenting with severe premature osteoarthrosis and X-ray signs compatible with mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Examination of the complete gene in both patients was done by amplification of all 54 exons, screening of the PCR products by SSCP-analysis, and subsequent sequencing. In mother and daughter a G to A transition at the 5'-end of exon 21 was detected, leading to a substitution of serine for glycine at position 274 of the triple helical domain. The mutation was not present in unaffected family members or in healthy control individuals. The autosomal dominant spondylarthropathies may represent the less severe entities of the clinical spectrum of type II collagenopathies.

Adult↗

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VII: phenotype and genotype.

A patient suffering from a severe form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is presented (EDS type VII). The presence of bilateral congenital hip dislocation, generalized joint hypermobility and a soft hyperelastic skin with abnormal scarring suggested a specific collagen type I defect. SDS-PAGE analysis of collagens secreted into the medium of fibroblast cultures showed a retarded migration of more than half of the alpha 2(I) chains. CNBr peptide mapping of the HPLC-purified altered chain localized the mutant locus to the N-terminal region of the protein. cDNA analysis of the corresponding gene COL1A2 revealed, in addition to the expected collagen sequence, a transcript missing the entire exon 6. This exon encodes a major crosslinking site within collagen fibres as well as the N-propeptidase cleavage site. The skipping of exon 6 is caused by a splice site mutation substituting an A for a G at the first nucleotide of intron 6.

Base Sequence↗

Kniest dysplasia is caused by dominant collagen II (COL2A1) mutations: parental somatic mosaicism manifesting as Stickler phenotype and mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia.

We describe two unrelated children with Kniest dysplasia, a severe autosomal dominant form of chondrodysplastic dwarfism associated with cleft palate, progressive arthropathy, myopia and retinal detachment. In the first patient the disorder was caused by a 28 base pair exon 12/intron 12 deletion in the gene coding for type II collagen. Her mother had mild abnormalities of the vertebral bodies and long bones compatible with abnormalities seen in Stickler arthro-ophthalmopathy. The second child had a transition of AG to GG at the 3' splice site of intron 20 of the COL2A1 gene. Her father had premature polvarthrosis interpreted as a sequela of mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Molecular studies revealed that the mother of the first and the father of the second child each had somatic mosaicism of the same mutation as their children. Heterozygous mutations of the gene coding for type II collagen can cause Kniest dysplasia, and somatic mosaicism for the same mutations can result in the Stickler phenotype or in mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia leading to premature polyarthrosis.

Adult↗

Kniest and Stickler dysplasia phenotypes caused by collagen type II gene (COL2A1) defect.

Kniest and Stickler dysplasia are two chondrodysplasias characterized by specific phenotypes. No basic defect has been found in patients with Kniest dysplasia, whereas Stickler dysplasia is one of four chondrodysplasias for which mutations of type II procollagen gene (COL2A1) have been identified. We studied a 2-year-old girl presenting with manifestations of Kniest dysplasia and her mother showing a Stickler phenotype. Analysing COL2A1 in both patients, we detected the same 28 basepair deletion spanning the 3'-exon/intron boundary of exon 12 in mother and daughter. We were able to prove a somatic mosaic status for this mutation in the mother which accounts for her milder Stickler-like phenotype.

Adult↗

New methods for assessment of enzyme activity: do they help to optimize enzyme treatment?

Several factors related to the patient and the pancreatin formulation influence the efficacy of enzyme supplementation. Up to now, only few tests exist to judge the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in pancreatic insufficiency. Tube tests and fecal fat excretion studies are cumbersome, time-consuming and unpleasant. Recently, several breath tests for the detection of pancreatic insufficiency have been developed. The cholesteryl octanoate breath test differentiated between healthy controls and patients with pancreatic insufficiency already after a 30-min collection period. Using this test, it was demonstrated that a pancreatin preparation containing small microspheres (1.0-1.2 mm) induces high duodenal lipolytic activity parallel to gastric emptying of food. In contrast, the gastric emptying of large microspheres (1.8-2.0 mm) is significantly delayed. The cholesteryl octanoate breath test detects pancreatic insufficiency within 30-60 min and offers the possibility of monitoring the in vivo release of pancreatin preparations.

Amylases↗

Nuclear localization of the protein encoded by the Wilms' tumor gene WT1 in embryonic and adult tissues.

The human Wilms' tumor gene WT1 encodes a putative transcription factor implicated in tumorigenesis and in specifying normal urogenital development. We have studied the distribution of WT1 protein and mRNA using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against a peptide specific to the first alternative splice site of WT1. Two antibodies specifically reacted on Western blot to this WT1 isoform. Immunofluorescence localized WT1 protein to podocytes during mesonephric and metanephric development. In situ hybridization revealed a similar pattern of expression except that WT1 mRNA was also present in metanephric blastema and renal vesicles. Messenger RNA expression was most pronounced in the kidneys during early fetal development and declined thereafter. In contrast, WT1 protein was readily detectable in glomerular podocytes throughout adulthood. WT1 protein in Wilms' tumor was present in blastema and glomeruloid structures. Expression in the female gonad was linked to the different stages of granulosa cell development. In the male gonad, expression was restricted to Sertoli cells and their precursors, the embryonic tunica albuginea and the rete testis. The intracellular distribution of the WT1 protein was investigated by confocal laser microscopy and was demonstrated to be exclusively nuclear. The nuclear distribution and the selective pattern of expression support the proposed role of WT1 as a transcription factor active during urogenital development. The persistence of WT1 expression in the adult kidney suggests a role in homeostasis of the podocyte.

Blotting, Western↗

Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in the liver of children with chronic hepatitis B by in situ hybridization and its relation to other viral markers.

The aim of the study was to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) with a 35S-labeled radioactive probe in frozen liver biopsy tissue sections of 63 hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive children. The results were compared to other markers of viral replication. HBV DNA was detected in 48 children. Of the 15 negative cases, four had hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg), 10 anti-HBe, and one neither HBeAg nor anti-HBe. Free HBV DNA in serum and liver was positive in one patient. Forty of the positive children were HBeAg- and six anti-HBe-positive; two were negative for both. Of 45 36 had HBV DNA in serum. In 38 of 47 HBV DNA and in 31 of 42 HBcAg could be detected in the liver. The HBV DNA signals were located mainly over the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. The distribution of HBV DNA in the tissue was classified as homogeneous, inhomogeneous with focal patches, and focal. It is concluded that in situ hybridization is a reliable method for detection of HBV DNA in liver tissue of children with chronic hepatitis B. The technique, which can be applied to small amounts of liver tissue, provides informations about the distribution of replicative viral sequences, complementing laboratory data, liver histochemistry, and histology.

Adolescent↗

Distribution of osteonectin mRNA and protein during human embryonic and fetal development.

We investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of osteonectin during human embryonic and fetal development, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Osteonectin gene expression was generally found in cells exhibiting high rates of matrix production/proliferation. In mineralized tissue, a strong signal was obtained in osteoblasts, odontoblasts, and chondrocytes of the upper hypertrophic and proliferative zones. Chondrocytes of the mineralized zone showed no expression throughout the different stages of development. Strong osteonectin expression was found in odontoblasts of developing teeth. In addition, osteonectin mRNA and protein were detected in several non-mineralized tissues: steroid-producing cells of the adrenal gland and the gonads, kidney (glomeruli), lung (bronchi), skin, megacaryocytes, and large vessels. Histochemistry confirmed the results and detected extracellular osteonectin in bone and in the zone of mineralized cartilage only. The localization of osteonectin in bone, cartilage, and teeth is consistent with a role in the initiation of mineralization. However, the organ-specific distribution in non-mineralized tissues suggests an important multifunction role of this protein during human development.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PAX8, a human paired box gene: isolation and expression in developing thyroid, kidney and Wilms' tumors.

Recent evidence indicates a crucial role for paired box genes in mouse and human embryogenesis. The murine Pax8 gene encodes a sequence-specific transcription factor and is expressed in the developing secretory system as well as in the developing and adult thyroid. This restricted expression pattern suggested involvement of the Pax8 gene in the morphogenesis of the above organs and prompted us to investigate the PAX8 gene in humans. In this report, we describe the isolation and characterization of PAX8 cDNAs from a human adult kidney cDNA library. An open reading frame of 450 amino acids contains the 128 amino acid paired domain at its amino-terminal end. The predicted human and mouse Pax8 proteins show 97.8% conservation and are identical in their paired domains. Two independent cDNA clones reveal differential splicing of the PAX8 transcripts resulting in the removal of a 63 amino acid serine-rich region from the carboxy end of the predicted Pax8 protein. The truncated Pax8 protein becomes more similar to the predicted murine Pax2 protein, that is also expressed during kidney development and lacks the serine rich region. RNAse protection analysis shows the presence of both PAX8 transcripts in human thyroid, kidney and five Wilms' tumors. No truncated Pax8 transcripts could be detected in mouse kidney. In situ hybridization to sections of human embryonic and fetal kidney showed expression of PAX8 in condensed mesenchyme, comma-shaped and S-shaped bodies. In contrast, PAX2 expression was present mainly in the very early stages of differentiation, in the induced, condensing mesenchyme. This restricted expression pattern suggests a specific role for both genes during glomeruli maturation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Glucose/galactose malabsorption caused by a defect in the Na+/glucose cotransporter.

Glucose/galactose malabsorption (GGM) is an autosomal recessive disease manifesting within the first weeks of life and characterized by a selective failure to absorb dietary glucose and galactose from the intestine. The consequent severe diarrhoea and dehydration are usually fatal unless these sugars are eliminated from the diet. Intestinal biopsies of GGM patients have revealed a specific defect in Na(+)-dependent absorption of glucose in the brush border. Normal glucose absorption is mediated by the Na+/glucose cotransporter in the brush border membrane of the intestinal epithelium. Cellular influx is driven by the transmembrane Na+ electrochemical potential gradient; thereafter the sugar moves to the blood across the basolateral membrane via the facilitated glucose carrier. We have previously cloned and sequenced a Na+/glucose cotransporter from normal human ileum and shown that this gene, SGLT1, resides on the distal q arm of chromosome 22. We have now amplified SGLT1 complementary DNA and genomic DNA from members of a family affected with GGM by the polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis of the amplified products has revealed a single missense mutation in SGLT1 which cosegregates with the GGM phenotype and results in a complete loss of Na(+)-dependent glucose transport in Xenopus oocytes injected with this complementary RNA.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗

Sibs with a disorder resembling Blount disease (tibia vara).

Radiographic investigation of 3 Turkish sibs presenting with bowed legs disclosed physiological tibial bowing in the 7-month-old girl. Stage I Blount disease in the 26 month-old boy and Stage II Blount disease in the 45 month-old girl. The reported cases provide evidence for autosomal recessive inheritance. This observation points to genetic heterogenity, i.e. the existence of 2 genetically different, but radiologically indistinguishable disorders.

Child, Preschool↗