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A missense mutation G2320R in the thyroglobulin gene causes non-goitrous congenital primary hypothyroidism in the WIC-rdw rat.

A convincing line of evidence is being developed that the congenital nongoitrous hypothyroidism and dwarfism observed in the WIC-rdw rat may indeed be caused by a primary defect in thyroid hormonogenesis. In support of this hypothesis, several recent reports have shown the presence of elevated molecular chaperone levels in the WIC-rdw thyrocytes, the endoplasmic reticulum of which was markedly dilated, suggesting a defect in intracellular protein transport. Here the studies were undertaken to identify the precise molecular defect in the WIC-rdw rat. First, the genetic linkage analysis revealed that the rdw locus was on rat chromosome 7 and was identical to the thyroglobulin (Tg) gene locus. Moreover, the Tg protein level was reduced in the WIC-rdw thyroid despite a similar level of the Tg gene transcripts that were indistinguishable in their size from the normal. Next, the complete sequencing of the rdw and the normal rat Tg cDNAs revealed a single nucleotide change, G6958C, resulting in a G2320R missense mutation in a highly conserved region of the Tg molecule. Finally, transient expression of the intact Tg cDNA containing the rdw mutation in the COS-7 cells showed no detectable Tg in the secreted media, indicating a severe defect in the export of the mutant Tg. Together, our observations suggest that a missense mutation, G2320R, in the Tg gene is responsible for the rdw mutation in the WIC-rdw rat.

Animals↗

Conformational changes in the D' domain of von Willebrand factor induced by CYS 25 and CYS 95 mutations lead to factor VIII binding defect and multimeric impairment.

We report 2 new mutations identified in 3 patients and characterized by the markedly decreased affinity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) for factor VIII (FVIII). Patients 2 and 3, who have a typical type 2N phenotype, were found to be compound heterozygous for Arg91Gln and Cys25Tyr or Cys95Phe, respectively. Patient 1, who is the first cousin of patient 2, had an FVIII binding defect of vWF, low levels of vWF, and multimeric impairment. She was found to be compound heterozygous for the mutations Cys25Tyr and a stop codon (D93ter) in exon 4. Transient expression of recombinant vWF (rvWF) containing either Cys25Tyr or Cys95Phe mutations resulted in mutated rvWF with markedly reduced FVIII binding ability, multimeric structure impairment, and a significant decrease in the vWF expression level. Moreover, the use of anti-vWF monoclonal antibodies that inhibit the FVIII binding showed that these 2 mutations likely induce a conformational change in the D' domain. These results show that the native conformation of the D' domain of vWF is not only required for FVIII binding but also for normal multimerization and optimal secretion.

Animals↗

A mutation that alters properties of the calcium channel in Paramecium tetraurelia.

The membrane properties of a new mutant of Paramecium tetraurelia, dancer, were compared under voltage clamp with those of the wild type. The Ca2+ current was isolated and examined using CsCl-filled electrodes and tetraethylammonium in the bath solution to block K+ channels. The amplitude of the Ca2+ transient was not altered by the mutation. However, the Ca2+ current in the mutant inactivated more slowly and less extensively: hence a larger sustained Ca2+ current remained in the mutant. A change in the time course of the deactivation of the Ba2+ current was observed in the mutant. This mutational change is not likely to be the consequence of the Ca2+-channel inactivation because it is seen in the Ba2+ solution where there is little inactivation of the current. Other measured properties of the Ca2+ channel, the voltage-dependent K+ current, and the resting properties of the membrane were normal in the mutant. The Ca2+-activated K+ current and the Ca2+-activated Na+ current were larger in the mutant than in the wild type, consistent with a greater elevation of free intracellular Ca2+ during depolarization in the mutant. It is likely that the mutation causes an alteration in the Ca2+-channel structure or in its immediate environment and thereby affects the inactivation and deactivation processes of the Ca2+ channel. As would be expected from the greater Ca2+ current, the mutant tends to generate all-or-none Ca action potentials as opposed to the graded action potentials in the wild type.

Action Potentials↗

A mutation (-49C>T) in the promoter of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene associated with familial hypercholesterolemia.

We have identified a mutation (-49C>T) in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene in a Spanish familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patient. The mutation maps within repeat 3 of the LDLR gene promoter. This region binds Sp1 and collaborates with repeat 2 in the regulation of LDLR gene by sterols. To evaluate whether the mutation influenced the activity of the promoter, luciferase reporter plasmids containing 296 bp of the proximal promoter region were constructed. In transient transfection assays in HepG2 cells, the mutation resulted in an 80% reduction of promoter activity. Also, gel-shift assays demonstrated that the mutation severely affects Sp1 binding. However, the mutated promoter still retains the ability to respond to low sterol concentrations. As the analysis of the LDLR gene did not reveal any other changes, we conclude that the -49C>T mutation is the cause of FH in the patient. The analysis of the proband's pedigree indicated that not all the members of the family having the mutation disclose a FH phenotype. These results support the view that factors other than the presence of the mutation are important in the determination of the clinical phenotype in FH.

Animals↗

[Functional significance of MeCP2 mutations in patients with Rett syndrome].

Mutations in the MeCP2 gene cause Rett syndrome and are observed in approximately 80% of Rett syndrome patients. To investigate the functional significance of these mutations, we established two functional assays using transient expression systems. Transcriptional repressive activities of MeCP2 mutants were analyzed by the reporter assay in Drosophila cells. The influences of mutations on methyl-CpG-binding activities were indirectly assessed by examining the affinity of fluorescent labelled mutant proteins to mouse heterochromatins, where approximately one half of all methyl-CpG-base pairs are located. These functional assays are useful in evaluating mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding domain of MeCP2 and will provide insight into the relationship between the genotype and the phenotype of Rett syndrome.

Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone↗

Gene dosage and complementation analysis of the Shaker locus in Drosophila.

Mutations of the Shaker (Sh) locus alter or eliminate a transient, voltage-sensitive potassium current, the "A" current, in flight muscle of Drosophila. We show that the amplitude of the A current is reduced when the dosage of Sh+ is lower than normal, but that A current amplitude does not increase as extra copies of Sh+ are added. We have also examined 14 Shaker mutants by voltage clamp and by intracellular recording at the larval neuromuscular junction. In 10 of these mutants there is no detectable fast component of the transient outward current. In each of these 10, however, a small, slowly inactivating, outward current is present. The 10 mutations null for the fast component of the transient, outward current are all partially dominant, giving 50-80% of the normal A current in Shnull/Sh+ heterozygotes. Because as little as 5% of the normal A current can be detected, complementation tests are feasible. The 10 null mutations are members of a single complementation group. The remaining 4 mutations have reduced A currents in pupal flight muscle. In all cases, crosses between these leaky mutants and null mutants give progeny with less A current than found in the leaky parental lines, as would be expected if the leaky and null mutations are in the same complementation group. For 1 of the mutations, ShrKO120, the mutant phenotype is much more severe in nerve than in muscle. That part of the Shaker locus required for the production of the A channel lies between the B55 and the V7 translocation breakpoints, in region 16F of the X chromosome.

Animals↗

A missense mutation of the endothelin-B receptor gene in multigenic Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is characterized by an absence of enteric ganglia in the distal colon and a failure of innervation in the gastrointestinal tract. We recently mapped a recessive susceptibility locus (HSCR2) to human chromosome 13q22, which we now demonstrate to be the endothelin-B receptor gene (EDNRB). We identified in HSCR patients a G-->T missense mutation in EDNRB exon 4 that substitutes the highly conserved Trp-276 residue in the fifth transmembrane helix of the G protein-coupled receptor with a Cys residue (W276C). The mutant W276C receptor exhibited a partial impairment of ligand-induced Ca2+ transient levels in transfected cells. The mutation is dosage sensitive, in that W276C homozygotes and heterozygotes have a 74% and a 21% risk, respectively, of developing HSCR. Genotype analysis of patients in a Mennonite pedigree shows HSCR to be a multigenic disorder.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The benzodiazepine binding pocket of recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2 gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors: relative orientation of ligands and amino acid side chains.

Wild-type alpha1beta2gamma2 gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors and receptors containing a point-mutated subunit gamma2F77Y were expressed by transient transfection in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Mutant receptors bound the benzodiazepine binding site ligand [3H]flumazenil with similar, subnanomolar affinity as wild-type receptor. Displacement studies with diazepam showed that the affinity for this compound was reduced 250-fold on mutation, indicating that the tyrosine hydroxyl group interferes with diazepam binding. This differential behavior then was used to find the chemical entity presumably interacting with the phenyalanine residue in position 77 of the gamma2 subunit of wild-type receptors. Thirty-four substances were analyzed in this respect. Our results suggest that the phenyl substituent of diazepam is located close to gammaF77. Similarly, we investigated the possible location of alpha1T206 and gamma2M130. Electrophysiological data obtained with the wild-type receptor furthermore suggest a simple overlap between positive allosteric modulators acting at the benzodiazepine binding site with its antagonists.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Dimerization and multimerization defects of von Willebrand factor due to mutated cysteine residues.

In patients classified with type 1 and type 3 von Willebrand disease missense mutations resulting in the loss of cysteine residues in the D3-domain (multimerization area) and in the carboxy-terminus (dimerization area) of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) have been identified. We have investigated how these structural changes result in a quantitative VWF deficiency and how they interfere with the dimerization and multimerization processes. The effect of mutations in the multimerization area (C1130F, C1149R) and in the dimerization area (C2671Y, C2739Y, C2754W) of human recombinant VWF were investigated in transient transfection assays in 293T cells. All mutations resulted in reduced secretion of VWF in the medium and in intracellular retention. The amino-terminal mutants C1130F and C1149R showed impaired multimerization by lacking high molecular weight (HMW) multimers, in cotransfection experiments with wild-type (wt) VWF, the multimeric pattern was consistent with the pattern in the heterozygous type 1 patients. The carboxy-terminal mutants C2739Y and C2754W showed strongly reduced to nearly absent secretion of VWF, consistent with type 3 VWD. The multimeric pattern of C2739Y and C2754W is characterized by the absence of HMW multimers, an excess of monomers and intervening odd-numbered multimeric bands, indicating a dimerization defect. The carboxy-terminal mutant C2671Y is different, with mildly reduced secretion, intermediate intracellular retention and a normal multimerization pattern. We conclude that, in accordance with a phenotype of quantitative VWF deficiency, all cysteine mutants show impaired secretion, although the decrease of VWF in vitro appears lower than in the patients, suggesting additional, possibly heightened clearance, mechanisms in vivo.

Binding Sites↗

Genes regulating hypothalamic and pituitary development.

Several pituitary transcription factors have been identified in the last 3 years. They offer new insights into the processes that direct organogenesis, cell commitment, proliferation and differentiated function. All are DNA-binding proteins, but they have ties to different families of homeodomain proteins. They differ in their distribution and in the timing of their appearance and extinction. The Rathke's pouch homeobox protein (Rpx) has a paired-like homeodomain. In mice, it appears on embryonic day 8.5 (day e8.5) and is gone by day e14.5. Its targets for activation are unknown. Pituitary OTX has a tryptophan--phenylalanine--lysine motif in its homeodomain. It appears early and persists. It shows independent activation of the alpha-glycoprotein subunit (alpha-GSU) and pro-opiomelanocortin genes and co-operates with Pit-1 in activation of the growth hormone and prolactin genes. Pituitary Lim (P-Lim) protein also acts independently on the alpha-GSU gene, and acts in concert with Pit-1 to activate other genes. A fourth protein, termed the 'Prophet of Pit-1', or Prop-1, is the recently discovered cause of Ames dwarfism in mice. This paired-like protein is necessary for the subsequent expression of Pit-1 in somatotrophs, lactotrophs and thyrotrophs. Any or all of the newly discovered pituitary genes are candidates for mutations causing hypopituitarism in humans. As several are expressed transiently in tissues other than the pituitary during organogenesis, the phenotypes produced by mutations in these genes may prove to be complex.

Animals↗

Biological functions of TRPs unravelled by spontaneous mutations and transgenic animals.

The identification of the biological functions of TRP (transient receptor potential) proteins requires genetic approaches because a selective TRP channel pharmacology to unravel the roles of TRPs is not available so far for most TRPs. A survey is therefore presented of transgenic animal models carrying mutations in TRP genes, as well as of those TRP genes that when mutated result in human disease; the chromosomal locations of TRP channel genes in the human and mouse are also presented.

Animals↗

The E1 replication protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1 contains an extended nuclear localization signal that includes a p34cdc2 phosphorylation site.

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) DNA replication occurs in the nucleus of infected cells. Most enzymatic activities are carried out by host cell proteins, with the viral E1 and E2 proteins required for the assembly of an initiation complex at the replication origin. In latently infected cells, viral DNA replication occurs in synchrony with the host cell chromosomes, maintaining a constant average copy number of BPV genomes per infected cell. By analyzing a series of mutants of the amino-terminal region of the E1 protein, we have identified the signal for transport of this protein to the cell nucleus. The E1 nuclear transport motif is highly conserved in the animal and human papillomaviruses and is encoded in a similar region in the related E1 genes. The signal is extended relative to the simple nuclear localization signals and contains two short amino acid sequences which contribute to nuclear transport, located between amino acids 85 and 108 of the BPV-1 E1 protein. Mutations in either basic region reduce nuclear transport of E1 protein and interfere with viral DNA replication. Mutations in both sequences simultaneously prevent any observable accumulation of the protein and reduce replication in transient assays to barely detectable levels. Surprisingly, these mutations had no effect on the ability of viral genomes to morphologically transform cells, although the plasmid DNA in the transformed cells was maintained at a very low copy number. Between these two basic amino acid blocks in the nuclear transport signal, at threonine 102, is a putative site for phosphorylation by the cell cycle regulated kinase p34cdc2. Utilizing an E1 protein purified from either a baculovirus vector system or Escherichia coli, we have shown that the E1 protein is a substrate for this kinase. An E1 gene mutant at threonine 102 encodes for a protein which is no longer a substrate for the p34cdc2 kinase. Mutation of this threonine to isoleucine had no observable effect on either nuclear localization of E1 or DNA replication of the intact viral genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression and characterization of von Willebrand factor dimerization defects in different types of von Willebrand disease.

Dimerization defects of von Willebrand factor (vWF) protomers underlie von Willebrand disease (vWD) type 2A, subtype IID (vWD 2A/IID), and corresponding mutations have been identified at the 3' end of the vWF gene in exon 52. This study identified and expressed 2 additional mutations in this region, a homozygous defect in a patient with vWD type 3 (C2754W) and a heterozygous frameshift mutation (8566delC) in a patient with vWD type 2A, subtype IIE. Both mutations involve cysteine residues that we propose are possibly essential for dimerization. To prove this hypothesis, transient recombinant expression of each of the 2 mutations introduced in the carboxy-terminal vWF fragment II and in the complete vWF complementary DNA, respectively, were carried out in COS-7 cells and compared with expression of vWD 2A/IID mutation C2773R and the wild-type (WT) sequence in COS-7 cells. Recombinant WT vWF fragment II assembled correctly into a dimer, whereas recombinant mutant fragments were monomeric. Homozygous expression of recombinant mutant full-length vWF resulted in additional dimers, probably through disulfide bonding at the amino-terminal multimerization site, whereas recombinant WT vWF correctly assembled into multimers. Coexpression of recombinant mutant and recombinant WT vWF reproduced the multimer patterns observed in heterozygous individuals. Our results suggest that a common defect of vWF biosynthesis--lack of vWF dimerization--may cause diverse types and subtypes of vWD. We also confirmed previous studies that found that disulfide bonding at the vWF amino-terminal is independent of dimerization at the vWF carboxy-terminal. (Blood. 2001;97:2059-2066)

Adult↗

[Mutations of the tumor suppressor Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma and its effect of growth suppression on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mutated KLF6 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to characterize its behavior in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. METHODS: We analyzed the DNA isolated from 23 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and their adjacent nontumor tissues by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct sequencing was used to establish the incidence of mutation in exon2 of the KLF6 gene. Loss of growth suppressive function of the HCC-derived KLF6 mutants was characterized by in vitro analyzing alteration of cell cycle and MTT assay. Expression of p21WAF1, a possible downstream gene of KLF6, was detected in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 transiently transfected with KLF6 genes. RESULTS: Mutations of KLF6 were found in 2 of the 23 (8.7%) hepatocellular carcinomas. The two mutations were located in the transactivation domain and one of them resulted in single amino acid substitution of TGG (W) by GGG (G) at codon 162. Unlike the wild-type KLF6, cancer-derived KLF6 mutants neither suppressed growth nor induced p21WAF1 following transfection into culture cells. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations of the KLF6 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of HCC, but are not the dominating mechanism resulting in inactivation of KLF6 functions. KLF6 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation partly through upregulating expression of the p21WAF1 gene.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular basis of tyrosinase-negative oculocutaneous albinism. A single base mutation in the tyrosinase gene causing arginine to glutamine substitution at position 59.

Tyrosinase-negative oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is one of classical inborn errors of metabolism, characterized by a complete lack of melanin pigments in the eyes and skin. We have isolated and characterized the tyrosinase gene of one child (F. S.) affected with tyrosinase-negative OCA. Sequence analysis reveals a single-base mutation in the exon 1 (a G to A transition at nucleotide residue 312), causing the Arg (CGG) to Gln (CAG) substitution at position 59. This base change eliminates one MspI site and creates a new BstNI site in the patient's exon 1, which is invaluable for screening other OCA patients and heterozygote carriers for this mutation. We are thus able to confirm that the patient F. S. is homozygous for this OCA allele. The family members of the patient F. S. are phenotypically normal, but are shown to be heterozygote carriers. Transfection of the mutant gene fails to give rise to detectable tyrosinase activity in transient expression assays, suggesting that the mutation affects the stability or the catalytic activity of the enzyme. We therefore propose that the albino phenotype of the patient F. S. is a consequence of the Arg to Gln substitution at position 59 caused by a point mutation in the tyrosinase gene.

Albinism, Oculocutaneous↗

Calsequestrin mutant D307H exhibits depressed binding to its protein targets and a depressed response to calcium.

OBJECTIVE: A point mutation in human cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ-D307H) is responsible for a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT). When overexpressed in heart cells, the mutated CSQ leads to diminished Ca(2+) transients, consistent with defective regulation of intralumenal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+). METHODS: To analyze the D307H mutant and determine whether the D307H mutation results in loss of normal protein-protein interactions, we prepared recombinant human wild-type (WT) and D307H forms of CSQ in mammalian cells. RESULTS: Although we found the two proteins to undergo similar glycosylation and phosphorylation, we discovered that Ca(2+)-dependent binding of the D307H mutant to both triadin-1 and junctin was reduced by greater than 50% compared to WT. Reduced binding of the D307H mutant CSQ to target proteins was similar throughout a complete range of Ca(2+) concentrations. To investigate the mechanism of reduced Ca(2+)-dependent binding, Ca(2+)-dependent changes in intrinsic fluorescence emission for the two protein forms were compared. Intrinsic fluorescence of the D307H mutant was highly reduced, reflecting significant alteration in the tertiary protein structure. Moreover, the changes in fluorescence caused by increasing the Ca(2+) concentration were very significantly blunted, indicating that the Ca(2+)-dependent conformational change was virtually lost. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the point mutation D307H leads to a profoundly altered conformation that no longer responds normally to Ca(2+) and fails to bind normally to triadin and junctin.

Animals↗

Point mutations in alpha-subunit of human cardiac Na+ channels alter Na+ current kinetics.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent ischemia-induced fatal cardiac arrhythmias in animals and probably in humans. This action results from inhibition of ion currents for Na+, Ca2+, and possibly other ions. To extend understanding of this protection we are seeking a possible binding site for the PUFAs on the alpha-subunit of the human cardiac Na+ channel, hH1alpha, transiently expressed in HEK293t cells. Three mutated single amino acid substitutions with lysine were made in the alpha-subunit at Domain 4-Segment 6 (D4-S6) for F1760, Y1767 and at D1-S6 for N406. These are in the putative sites of binding of local anesthetics and batrachotoxin, respectively. The mutants F1760K, Y1767K, and N406K, separately and to different extents, affected the current density, the steady-state inactivation potential, accelerated inactivation, delayed recovery from inactivation, and affected voltage-dependent block, but did not affect activation of the hH1alpha. It is essential to learn that single point mutations in D1-S6 and D4-S6 alone significantly modify the kinetics of human cardiac hH1alpha Na+ currents. The effects of PUFAs on these mutant channels will be the subject of subsequent reports.

Amino Acids↗