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W J Craigen

Publications and source records attributed to W J Craigen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Mutation and expression analysis of the endoglin gene in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia reveals null alleles.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multisystemic vascular dysplasia and recurrent hemorrhage from the sites of vascular lesions. Two genes have been identified for HHT. Endoglin, a TGF-beta binding protein which maps to chromosome 9q3, is the gene for HHT1. The type and location of most of the previously described mutations in the endoglin (ENG) gene suggested a dominant-negative model of receptor-complex dysfunction for the molecular basis of this disorder. In this article we describe 11 novel ENG mutations in HHT kindreds, which include missense and splice-site mutations. Two identical missense mutations in unrelated families disrupt the start codon of the gene. In addition, some frameshift and nonsense mutations lead to very low or undetectable levels of transcript from the mutant allele. These combined data suggest that the nature of most ENG mutations is to create a null (nonfunctional) allele, and that there is no requirement for the synthesis of a truncated endoglin protein in the pathogenesis of HHT.

Alleles↗
PubMed1997

Deletion of chromosome 22q11 and pseudohypoparathyroidism.

A newborn boy with complex congenital heart disease, unilateral renal agenesis, and hypocalcemia was found to have a submicroscopic deletion of 22q11.2 (DiGeorge anomaly). In evaluating the pathogenesis of the hypocalcemia, repeatedly elevated or normal levels of parathyroid hormone were found, consistent with a diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism. Pseudohypoparathyroidism can be due to mutation of a GTP binding protein (Gs-alpha protein) located on chromosome 20. Since there is another G protein locus (Gz alpha) adjacent to the DiGeorge critical region of chromosome 22, we hypothesized that a more extensive deletion may lead to pseudohypoparathyroidism. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using a probe containing the Gz alpha gene, but no deletion was detected. This patient emphasizes the importance of determining the pathogenesis of the hypocalcemia in cases of DiGeorge anomaly.

Chromosome Deletion↗
PubMed1997

Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome with an unusual pattern of inheritance.

Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia comprising hypotrichosis, hypodontia, unusual eyelid cysts, palmar-plantar keratosis, and nail dystrophy. To date, ten cases have been reported; all except one are compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance. We report on a family in which three full sibs and one half-sib have Schopf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome, yet there is no other evidence of dominant transmission in prior or subsequent generations. Possible explanations are discussed.

Anodontia↗
PubMed1997

The murine voltage-dependent anion channel gene family. Conserved structure and function.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are pore-forming proteins found in the outer mitochondrial membrane of all eucaryotes. VDACs are the binding sites for several cytosolic enzymes, including the isoforms of hexokinase and glycerol kinase. VDACs have recently been shown to conduct ATP when in the open state, allowing bound kinases preferential access to mitochondrial ATP and providing a possible mechanism for the regulation of adenine nucleotide flux. Two human VDAC cDNAs have been described previously, and we recently reported the isolation of mouse VDAC1 and VDAC2 cDNAs, as well as a third novel VDAC cDNA, designated VDAC3. In this report we describe the structural organization of each mouse VDAC gene and demonstrate that, based on conserved exon/intron boundaries, the three VDAC isoforms belong to a single gene family. The 5'-flanking region of each VDAC gene was shown to have transcription promoter activity by transient expression in cultured cells. The promoter region of each VDAC isoform lacks a canonical TATA box, but all are G+C-rich, a characteristic of housekeeping gene promoters. To examine the conservation of VDAC function, each mouse VDAC was expressed in yeast lacking the endogenous VDAC gene. Both VDAC1 and VDAC2 are able to complement the phenotypic defect associated with the mutant yeast strain. VDAC3, however, is only able to partially complement the mutant phenotype, suggesting an alternative physiologic function for the VDAC3 protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

A submicroscopic deletion in Xq26 associated with familial situs ambiguus.

Abnormal left-right-axis formation results in heterotaxy, a multiple-malformation syndrome often characterized by severe heart defects, splenic abnormalities, and gastrointestinal malrotation. Previously we had studied a large family in which a gene for heterotaxy, HTX1, was mapped to a 19-cM region in Xq24-q27.1. Further analysis of this family has revealed two recombinations that place HTX1 between DXS300 and DXS1062, an interval spanning approximately 1.3 Mb in Xq26.2. In order to provide independent confirmation of HTX1 localization, a PCR-based search for submicroscopic deletions in this region was performed in unrelated males with sporadic or familial heterotaxy. A cluster of sequence-tagged sites failed to amplify in an individual who also had a deceased, affected brother. FISH identified the mother as a carrier of the deletion, which arose as a new mutation from the maternal grandfather. The deletion interval spans 600-1,100 kb and lies wholly within the 1.3-Mb region identified by recombination. Discovery of this deletion supports localization of HTX1 to Xq26.2 and reveals the first molecular-genetic abnormality associated with human left-right-asymmetry defects.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1997

X-linked glycerol kinase deficiency in the mouse leads to growth retardation, altered fat metabolism, autonomous glucocorticoid secretion and neonatal death.

Glycerol kinase is an X chromosome-encoded enzyme involved in the metabolism of endogenous and dietary glycerolipids. The physiological significance of its activity in mammals is not well understood. Glycerol kinase deficiency in humans occurs as an isolated enzyme deficiency or as part of a contiguous gene deletion syndrome in variable association with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and adrenal hypoplasia congenita. Isolated glycerol kinase deficiency has an inconstant phenotype, ranging from asymptomatic hyperglycerolemia to a severe metabolic disorder with growth and psychomotor retardation. Although intragenic mutations were reported recently, the pathophysiological basis for the phenotypic variability remains unknown. To understand better the physiological significance of glycerol kinase and the pathophysiology of its deficiency, we generated glycerol kinase-deficient mice by gene targeting. Mutant male mice appear normal at birth, but exhibit postnatal growth retardation, altered fat metabolism with profound hyperglycerolemia and elevated free fatty acids, autonomous glucocorticoid synthesis and death by 3-4 days of age. Heterozygous females are healthy and biochemically normal. The biochemical features observed in glycerol kinase-deficient mice provide the basis for further investigations into the pathogenesis of the human disorder.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Ahch, the mouse homologue of DAX1: cloning, characterization and synteny with GyK, the glycerol kinase locus.

We cloned the murine full-length cDNA encoding Ahch, the mouse homologue of DAX1 (DSS-AHC Region on Human X Chromosome, Gene1) which is the gene responsible for human X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Sequence analysis revealed that the murine and human cDNAs have 65% aa identity and 75% aa similarity overall. The cysteine residues in the putative DNA binding domain, which may interact with Zn2+ ions to form zinc fingers, are 100% conserved between the two species, indicating that the novel zinc-finger structures in DAX1 may be functional. In addition, mouse interspecific backcrosses show that the Ahch gene is closely linked to the glycerol kinase locus, GyK, on the mouse X chromosome, indicating that the order of the loci is conserved in this syntenic region between mouse and human.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1996

Isolation, mapping, and functional expression of the mouse X chromosome glycerol kinase gene.

Glycerol kinase (Gyk) participates in the metabolism of endogenously derived and dietary glycerol. Deficiency of the human enzyme activity is an X-linked recessive disorder with a clinical picture varying from childhood metabolic crisis to asymptomatic adults incidentally identified by hyperlipidemia screening (pseudohypertriglyceridemia). Gyk is a member of a small group of kinases termed ambiquitous enzymes that are found in the cytosol or as membrane-bound enzymes associated with the voltage-dependent anion channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane. It was recently reported that in humans there are X-linked and autosomal copies of Gyk sequences, both apparently functional genes and processed pseudogenes. To understand the role of Gyk in normal metabolism and the variable clinical features seen with Gyk deficiency, we have characterized the mouse Gyk gene. We present the sequence of a full-length mouse Gyk cDNA that is alternatively spliced in brain. The Gyk gene was mapped to the mouse X chromosome by both fluorescence in situ hybridization and an interspecies backcross panel, demonstrating conservation of synteny with dmd. To confirm the functional identity of the cDNA, transient transfection of the cDNA into COS7 cells was shown to cause a marked elevation in glycerol kinase activity.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1996

A novel mouse mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel gene localizes to chromosome 8.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are small pore-forming channels found in the outer membrane of mitochondria. VDACs translocate adenine nucleotides and are the binding sites for several cytosolic kinases important in intermediary metabolism. Recently two human VDAC cDNAs (HVDAC1 and HVDAC2) were isolated, and possible orthologues of these genes have been isolated from mouse, bovine, and rat tissues. We report the isolation of a novel third VDAC cDNA from the mouse, designated MVDAC3. The deduced MVDAC3 protein is approximately 70% identical to the previously isolated MVDAC1 and MVDAC2 proteins. The MVDAC3 gene was mapped by an interspecies backcross panel to mouse chromosome 8. A database search using the mouse VDACs identified a second yeast VDAC-like gene that retains about 20% amino acid sequence identity with the mouse VDAC genes and 50% identity with the previously isolated yeast VDAC gene. The phylogenetic relationship of the eukaryotic VDAC genes is presented.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Isolation, characterization, and mapping of two mouse mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel isoforms.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are small pore-forming channels found in the mitochondrial outer membrane of all eukaryotes. VDACs conduct adenine nucleotides and are the binding sites for several cytosolic enzymes, including the isoforms of hexokinase and glycerol kinase. VDAC binding is developmentally and metabolically regulated and allows the kinases preferential access to mitochondrial ATP. Two human VDAC cDNAs have recently been identified, and a total of four VDAC loci have been mapped. Here, the isolation of two mouse VDAC cDNAs (VDAC5 and VDAC6) is described. By Northern analysis the two mouse VDAC isoforms show nearly identical expression patterns, with high levels of expression detected in heart, kidney, brain, and skeletal muscle and lesser levels of expression in all other tissues examined. The only exception is the lack of expression of VDAC5 in testes, whereas VDAC6 expression is highest in this tissue. VDAC6 appears to be encoded by more than one transcript. The mouse VDAC5 gene was mapped using an interspecies DNA mapping panel to the proximal region of chromosome 11, and the mouse VDAC6 gene was mapped using a panel to the proximal region of chromosome 14.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Leigh disease with deficiency of lipoamide dehydrogenase: treatment failure with dichloroacetate.

A 6-month-old female infant with hypotonia and keto and lactic acidosis was diagnosed with lipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) deficiency. This enzyme is a component of the pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes. At the time of diagnosis her plasma contained elevated branched chain amino acids, alanine, alloisoleucine, ketones, pyruvate, and lactate, and her urine contained elevated branched chain ketoacids and lactate. By neuroimaging she was found to have Leigh subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy. Modest branched-chain amino acid restriction led to the disappearance of alloisoleucine and normalization of her branched chain amino acid values, while institution of a high fat diet precipitated hypoglycemia and acidosis. A trial of lipoic acid led to a transient modest improvement in her lactic acidemia. Use of dichloroacetate to activate the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex led to a significant decline in lactate levels, but this was also transient. The patient had significant growth failure despite a high carbohydrate, high calorie diet, yet remained clinically well until 28 months of age when she developed acute acidosis and brainstem dysfunction and died.

Acidosis, Lactic↗
PubMed1996

Identification of two mutations in a compound heterozygous child with dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency.

An infant girl with elevated blood lactate, pyruvate, and plasma branched-chain amino acids was diagnosed with dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3; dihydrolipoamide: NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.8.1.4) deficiency. Activities of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and E3 from patient were 26 and 2% of controls in blood lymphocytes, and 11 and 14% in cultured skin fibroblasts, respectively. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the amount of E3 protein in fibroblasts from the patient and her father was about half of controls, while Northern blot analysis showed normal amounts of E3 RNA. DNA sequencing of cloned full-length E3 cDNAs from the patient revealed two mutations in separate alleles. One is a single base insertion of an extra adenine in the last codon of the leader peptide sequence (TAC-->TAAC) leading to a nonsense mutation which results in the premature termination of the precursor E3 polypeptide (Y35X). The other is a missense mutation due to substitution of guanine for adenine, causing an Arg-->Gly substitution at amino acid 460 of the mature protein (R460G) which triggers the loss of E3 activity probably by structural change in the E3 dimer. DNA sequencing of E3 cDNAs from the parents demonstrated that the nonsense mutation was inherited from the father and the missense mutation was inherited from the mother.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

De novo proximal interstitial deletions of 14q: cytogenetic and molecular investigations.

We report on 2 unrelated patients who had chromosome analysis performed because of psychomotor delay, failure to thrive, and minor anomalies. Each patient had a novel proximal 14q deletion (q11.2 to q21.1 in patient 737 and q12 to q22 in patient 777). Polymorphic (C-A)n microsatellite markers distributed along the length of chromosome 14q were examined in both patients and their parents in order to determine which marker loci were deleted. The deletion in patient 737 was found to be paternal in origin, based on the analysis of 2 marker loci (D14S54 and D14S70), thus assigning these loci to the deleted interval q11.2 q21.1. Furthermore, 3 loci were not deleted (TCRD, D14S50, and D14S80), suggesting that they are within or proximal to 14q11.2. In the other family (patient 777), none of the markers were fully informative, but the deleted chromosome was determined to be paternally derived based on cytogenetic heteromorphisms. Despite having overlapping proximal 14q deletions, these 2 patients shared few phenotypic similarities except for failure to thrive, micrognathia, and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Therefore, a distinct proximal 14q deletion syndrome is not yet apparent. However, the molecular analyses facilitated the localization of several 14q DNA markers to the deletion regions in these 2 patients, while excluding other markers from each deletion.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1994

D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria in neonate with seizures and CNS dysfunction.

D-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria was documented in a newborn who presented with seizures, hypotonia, cortical blindness, a movement disorder, and developmental delay. Her clinical presentation differs from that of patients with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and a single previously reported patient with D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria. Cerebrospinal fluid levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid were elevated, while biogenic amine metabolites were normal. The movement disorder in our patient and in those with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria suggests involvement of the basal ganglia in the disease process. Prenatal diagnosis of an affected fetus was accomplished during a subsequent pregnancy.

Basal Ganglia Diseases↗