Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Codon, Nonsense”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,297 records · Page 72Linked to original sources

Cellular mutants define a common mRNA degradation pathway targeting cytokine AU-rich elements.

To functionally classify AU-rich elements (AREs) from six different cytokine mRNAs, we made use of two previously described HT1080-derived cellular mutants (slowA, slowC) that lack a function required for the rapid degradation of interleukin-3 (IL-3) mRNA. Here we show that the defect is specific for ARE-containing mRNAs, whereas nonsense-mediated decay is intact. Degradation of beta-globin reporter transcripts mediated by the AREs of IL-3, GM-CSF, and TNFalpha, as well as by the structurally different and less potent AREs of IL-2 and IL-6, is impaired in both mutants. All these reporter transcripts are also sensitive to decay induced by ectopic expression of the RNA-binding protein tristetraprolin in the slowC background. Thus, we concluded that the mutants slowA and slowC define a common mRNA degradation pathway that targets cytokine AREs. In NIH3T3 cells, this decay pathway becomes incapacitated by upstream signaling from p38 MAP- or PI3-kinases, which independently stabilize cytokine ARE-containing transcripts. In contrast, c-fos ARE-directed mRNA degradation proceeds through a different pathway not affected by these kinases.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

The whn transcription factor encoded by the nude locus contains an evolutionarily conserved and functionally indispensable activation domain.

Mutations in the whn gene are associated with the phenotype of congenital athymia and hairlessness in mouse and rat. The whn gene encodes a presumptive transcription factor with a DNA binding domain of the forkhead/ winged-helix class. Two previously described null alleles encode truncated whn proteins lacking the characteristic DNA binding domain. In the rat rnu allele described here, a nonsense mutation in exon 8 of the whn gene was identified. The truncated whnrnu protein contains the DNA binding domain but lacks the 175 C-terminal amino acids of the wild-type protein. To facilitate the identification of functionally important regions in this region, a whn homolog from the pufferfish Fugu rubripes was isolated. Comparison of derived protein sequences with the mouse whn gene revealed the presence of a conserved acidic protein domain in the C terminus, in addition to the highly conserved DNA binding domain. Using fusions with a heterologous DNA binding domain, a strong transcriptional activation domain was localized to the C-terminal cluster of acidic amino acids. As the whnrnu mutant protein lacks this domain, our results indicate that a transactivation function is essential for the activity of the whn transcription factor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Missense or splicing mutation? The case of a fibrinogen Bbeta-chain mutation causing severe hypofibrinogenemia.

The genetic basis of severe hypofibrinogenemia was analyzed in a 57-year-old Italian woman. She turned out to be a compound heterozygote for a novel putative missense mutation (Leu172Gln) and a previously described nonsense mutation (Arg17Stop) in the fibrinogen Bbeta-chain gene. The pathogenetic role of Leu172Gln was analyzed by in vitro expression of the mutant recombinant protein in COS-1 cells. These experiments demonstrated that mutant Bbeta-Leu172Gln fibrinogen was normally assembled and secreted. Inspection of the nucleotide sequence surrounding the mutation suggested a possible role on pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing. Production of the mutant transcript in HeLa cells confirmed that the mutation activates a cryptic acceptor splice site in exon 4, resulting in a truncated Bbeta chain, lacking approximately 70% of the C-terminal region. This represents the first exonic splicing mutation identified in the fibrinogen genes. These findings strengthen the importance to analyze potentially pathogenetic nucleotide variations at both the protein and the mRNA level.

Afibrinogenemia↗

Diverse phenotype of Brooke-Spiegler syndrome associated with a nonsense mutation in the CYLD tumor suppressor gene.

Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by cylindromas, trichoepitheliomas and occasionally spiradenomas. The disease gene was mapped to 16q12-13, and mutations in the CYLD gene were identified in families with BSS. In the present report, we describe a large consanguineous Chinese family with BSS showing an intra-family phenotypic variability. Clinically, some affected individuals only revealed discrete small skin-coloured tumors whereas the proband showed an expansion of multiple large tumors on the back of nose and numerous dome-shaped papules on her scalp. Histologically, both trichoepitheliomas and cylindromas were found in the affected individuals. By sequence analysis, we identified a recurrent mutation 2272C>T (R758X) of the CYLD gene in the affected individuals of this family, which was previously identified in other ethnic families with familial cylindromatosis. Our result provided additional information for phenotype-genotype correlation in BSS.

Adult↗

Founder Homozygous Nonsense CREB3 Variant and Variable-Onset Retinal Degeneration.

IMPORTANCE: Uncovering the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) can enhance both diagnostic accuracy and the development of targeted treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between a homozygous nonsense variant in CREB3 with IRDs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa or cone-rod degeneration were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Clinically, patients presented with 2 main phenotypes, rod-cone and cone-rod dystrophies, demonstrating variable electrophysiological and fundoscopic findings. Expression analysis was performed on patient-derived skin fibroblasts using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, and by interrogating previously published retinal single-cell RNA sequence data. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed on wild-type mouse retinal sections using an anti-CREB3 antibody. Patients with variable phenotypes of IRDs were recruited from 3 medical centers in Israel and Italy. Ophthalmologists clinically diagnosed patients at the relevant medical centers and referred them for genetic screening. WES and WGS were performed at different national and international centers, and the findings of the previously unreported gene were shared between investigators. EXPOSURES: CREB3 and IRDs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The main outcome was evidence supporting an association between CREB3 and IRD. Measures included WES, WGS, and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: A founder homozygous nonsense variant in CREB3 (c.881G>A, p.Trp294*) was identified in 13 patients from 4 unrelated families; 12 descendent from North-African Jewish origins and 1 from Italian origins. All patients manifested retinal degeneration with varying ages at onset. In patient-derived fibroblasts, the variant mRNA transcript generated a truncated CREB3 protein. Expression analysis and immunohistochemistry staining revealed CREB3 RNA and protein expression in various retinal cell types, indicating its vital role in photoreceptor function. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study found an association between CREB3 and IRDs. CREB3 was previously shown to be upregulated following ultraviolet radiation. This might contribute to the extensive clinical variability observed in this relatively large cohort of homozygous patients with the same truncated variant.

Humans↗

Pathological mutations of the human NDUFS4 gene of the 18-kDa (AQDQ) subunit of complex I affect the expression of the protein and the assembly and function of the complex.

Presented is a study of the impact on the structure and function of human complex I of three different homozygous mutations in the NDUFS4 gene coding for the 18-kDa subunit of respiratory complex I, inherited by autosomal recessive mode in three children affected by a fatal neurological Leigh-like syndrome. The mutations consisted, respectively, of a AAGTC duplication at position 466-470 of the coding sequence, a single base deletion at position 289/290, and a G44A nonsense mutation in the first exon of the gene. All three mutations were found to be associated with a defect of the assembly of a functional complex in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In all the mutations, in addition to destruction of the carboxyl-terminal segment of the 18-kDa subunit, the amino-terminal segment of the protein was also missing. In the mutation that was expected to produce a truncated subunit, the disappearance of the protein was associated with an almost complete disappearance of the NDUFS4 transcript. These observations show the essential role of the NDUFS4 gene in the structure and function of complex I and give insight into the pathogenic mechanism of NDUFS4 gene mutations in a severe defect of complex I.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mouse model of X-linked Alport syndrome.

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is a progressive disorder of basement membranes caused by mutations in the COL4A5 gene, encoding the alpha5 chain of type IV collagen. A mouse model of this disorder was generated by targeting a human nonsense mutation, G5X, to the mouse Col4a5 gene. As predicted for a nonsense mutation, hemizygous mutant male mice are null and heterozygous carrier female mice are mosaic for alpha5(IV) chain expression. Mutant male mice and carrier female mice are viable through reproductive age and fertile. Mutant male mice died spontaneously at 6 to 34 wk of age, and carrier female mice died at 8 to 45 wk of age, manifesting proteinuria, azotemia, and progressive and manifold histologic abnormalities of the kidney glomerulus and tubulointerstitium. Ultrastructural abnormalities of the glomerular basement membrane, including lamellation and splitting, were characteristic of human XLAS. The mouse model described here recapitulates essential clinical and pathologic findings of human XLAS. With alpha5(IV) expression reflecting X-inactivation patterns, it will be especially useful in studying determinants of disease variability in the carrier state.

Alleles↗

DNA-based diagnostics for adrenoleukodystrophy in a large New Zealand family.

AIM: To develop a DNA-based diagnostic test for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in a large New Zealand family. METHODS: Mutation screening of the X chromosome-linked ALD gene was undertaken by direct sequencing of PCR amplified products encompassing defined exons of the ALD gene. The identification of a mutation led to the development of a simple restriction enzyme digestion protocol of a PCR amplified product to identify those individuals with the mutation. RESULTS: A nonsense mutation, resulting in deduced premature termination of translation of the ALD gene product, was detected in exon 4 of the ALD gene in an affected male. This mutation was found in three obligate gene carriers in the same ALD family. A DNA-based test was established to identify this mutation by Bgl II digestion of a PCR amplified product encompassing exons 3 and 4 of the ALD gene. The DNA-based test was applied to a chorionic villus sampling for prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: A simple DNA-based test has been developed for ALD in a large New Zealand family. This test provides a rapid means of determining carrier status and for undertaking prenatal diagnosis for ALD in this family.

Adolescent↗

Mutations in the mitotic check point gene, MAD1L1, in human cancers.

Aneuploidy is a characteristic of the majority of human cancers, and recent studies suggest that defects of mitotic checkpoints play a role in carcinogenesis. MAD1L1 is a checkpoint gene, and its dysfunction is associated with chromosomal instability. Rare mutations of this gene have been reported in colon and lung cancers. We examined a total of 44 cell lines (hematopoietic, prostate, osteosarcoma, breast, glioblastoma and lung) and 133 fresh cancer cells (hematopoietic, prostate, breast and glioblastoma) for alterations of MAD1L1 by RT-PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing. Eight mutations consisting of missense, nonsense and frameshift mutations were found, together with a number of nucleotide polymorphisms. All the alterations in cell lines were heterozygous. Frequency of mutations was relatively high in prostate cancer (2/7 cell lines and 2/33 tumor specimens). We placed a mutant truncated MAD1L1, found in a lymphoma sample, into HOS, Ht161 and SJSA cell lines and found that it was less inhibitory than wild type MAD1L1 at decreasing cell proliferation. Co-expression experiments showed that the mutant form had a dominant-negative effect. Furthermore, this mutant impaired the mitotic checkpoint as shown by decreased mitotic indices in HOS cells expressing mutant MAD1L1 after culture with the microtubule-disrupting agent, nocodazole. Our results suggest a pathogenic role of MAD1L1 mutations in various types of human cancer.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Molecular genetics of aortic valve disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common type of cardiac malformation and predisposes to aortic valve calcification, which is the third leading cause of heart disease in adults. These seemingly temporally disparate diseases have been described as having genetic influences but limited data exist on the precise genetic causes in humans. Several advances in the molecular genetics of aortic valve formation and calcification have recently been identified and are described here. RECENT FINDINGS: A large family with autosomal-dominant aortic valve disease consisting of bicuspid aortic valve and aortic valve calcification was studied using genome-wide linkage analysis. This led to the identification of a nonsense mutation in NOTCH1 in affected individuals. This finding was supported by the discovery of a NOTCH1 frameshift mutation in an unrelated family with similar aortic valve disease, suggesting that NOTCH1 haploinsufficiency was a genetic cause of aortic valve malformations and calcification. The NOTCH signaling pathway was linked to a molecular pathway for aortic valve calcification, as NOTCH1 was found to repress activation of Runx2 - a transcription factor critical for osteoblast cell fate that is up-regulated in calcified human aortic valves. SUMMARY: The recent genetic and biochemical findings provide novel insights into the molecular and genetic basis for aortic valve dysmorphogenesis and calcification. Future studies focusing on the identification of additional disease-causing and susceptibility genes will aid in the development of prevention strategies. Ultimately, it will be the careful dissection of these molecular pathways that will hopefully lead to novel therapeutic options.

Adult↗

Nonsense mutations in ADTB3A cause complete deficiency of the beta3A subunit of adaptor complex-3 and severe Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disease consisting of oculocutaneous albinism and a storage pool deficiency resulting from absent platelet dense bodies. The disorder is genetically heterogeneous. The majority of patients, including members of a large genetic isolate in northwest Puerto Rico, have mutations in HPS1. Another gene, ADTB3A, was shown to cause HPS-2 in two brothers having compound heterozygous mutations that allowed for residual production of the gene product, the beta3A subunit of adaptor complex-3 (AP-3). This heterotetrameric complex serves as a coat protein-mediating formation of intracellular vesicles, e.g. the melanosome and platelet dense body, from membranes of the trans-Golgi network. We determined the genomic organization of the human ADTB3A gene, with intron/exon boundaries, and describe a third patient with beta3A deficiency. This 5-y-old boy has two nonsense mutations, C1578T (R-->X) and G2028T (E-->X), which produce no ADTB3A mRNA and no beta3A protein. The associated mu3 subunit of AP-3 is also entirely absent. In fibroblasts, the cell biologic concomitant of this deficiency is robust and aberrant trafficking through the plasma membrane of LAMP-3, an integral lysosomal membrane protein normally carried directly to the lysosome. The clinical concomitant is a severe, G-CSF-responsive neutropenia in addition to oculocutaneous albinism and platelet storage pool deficiency. Our findings expand the molecular, cellular, and clinical spectrum of HPS-2 and call for an increased index of suspicion for this diagnosis among patients with features of albinism, bleeding, and neutropenia.

Adaptor Protein Complex 3↗

A proposed molecular diagnostic flowchart for myophosphorylase deficiency (McArdle disease) in blood samples from Spanish patients.

McArdle disease is a metabolic myopathy due to molecular defects in the myophosphorylase gene (PYGM), usually diagnosed in muscle biopsy. The aims of this study were to characterize genetically a large series of patients and to establish a protocol of molecular diagnosis on blood samples. We studied 55 Spanish unrelated patients with McArdle disease. Screening for the three more frequent mutations in the PYGM gene in the Spanish population (c.148C>T, p.R50X; c.613G>A, p.G205S; and c.2392T>C, p.W798R) were performed with polymerase chain-reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. To identify other mutant alleles, the coding region of PYGM gene was sequenced. The p.R50X mutation was observed in 38 patients, the p.G205S substitution in eight, and the p.W798R change in nine. Nine novel mutations, five missense (c.247A>T, p.I83F; c.521G>A, p.G174D; c.1094C>T, p.A365V; c.1468C>T, p.R490W; and c.1730A>G, p.Q577R), one nonsense mutation (c.2352C>A, p.C784X), three frameshift (c.402del, p.N134KfsX161; c.212_218dup, p.Q73HfsX7; c.1470dup, p.R491AfsX7), and nine previously reported mutations were found. In addition, we also updated the molecular data of 95 unrelated patients with McArdle disease studied thus far in our center. Of these patients, 56 were either homozygous or compound heterozygous for the p.R50X, p.G205S, or p.W798R mutation. By including in the molecular diagnosis protocol sequencing of the exons 1, 14, 17 and 18 of the PYGM gene, 16 further patients were characterized, and therefore we were able to detect the molecular defect in 72 out of 95 patients. A proposed molecular diagnosis protocol of the disease based on blood DNA would avoid muscle biopsy in 75.8% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 62.1%-78.6%] of patients with McArdle disease.

Adolescent↗

Reduced expression of the epithelial adhesion ligand laminin 5 in the skin causes intradermal tissue separation.

Laminin 5, the major keratinocyte adhesion ligand, is found in the lamina lucida subregion of the epidermal basement membrane of the skin, where it colocalizes with the anchoring filaments. Mutations in the genes encoding laminin 5 cause junctional epidermolysis bullosa, an inherited skin blistering disease characterized by abnormal hemidesmosomes and cleavage of the lamina lucida leading to epidermal detachment. In this work we describe the genetic basis of a new subtype of lethal inherited epidermolysis bullosa associated with reduced skin reactivity to laminin 5, presence of mature hemidesmosomes, and intradermal cleavage of the skin. The epidermolysis bullosa patients were heterozygous for a nonsense mutation (Q896X) and a splice site mutation (764-10T-->G) in the gene (LAMC2) for the gamma2 chain of laminin 5. The nonsense mutation causes accelerated decay of the corresponding mRNA, while the splice site mutation results in maturation of a cryptic wild-type gamma2 mRNA leading to reduced expression of wild-type laminin 5. In vitro studies using the probands' keratinocytes showed that secretion of reduced amounts of functional laminin 5 in the patient, although permitting formation of hemidesmosomes, fail to restore efficient cell adhesion. Our results provide the first evidence that laminin 5 contributes to the firm adhesion of the epithelial basement membrane to the underlying stroma. They also show that a low expression level of laminin 5 induces assembly of mature hemidesmosomes in vivo but fails to assure a stable cohesion of the dermal-epidermal junction.

3T3 Cells↗

Haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of the human orthologues of the rat type 1 diabetes genes Ian4 (Lyp/Iddm1) and Cblb.

The diabetes-prone BioBreeding (BB) and Komeda diabetes-prone (KDP) rats are both spontaneous animal models of human autoimmune, T-cell-associated type 1 diabetes. Both resemble the human disease, and consequently, susceptibility genes for diabetes found in these two strains can be considered as potential candidate genes in humans. Recently, a frameshift deletion in Ian4, a member of the immune-associated nucleotide (Ian)-related gene family, has been shown to map to BB rat Iddm1. In the KDP rat, a nonsense mutation in the T-cell regulatory gene, Cblb, has been described as a major susceptibility locus. Following a strategy of examining the human orthologues of susceptibility genes identified in animal models for association with type 1 diabetes, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from each gene by resequencing PCR product from at least 32 type 1 diabetic patients. Haplotype tag SNPs (htSNPs) were selected and genotyped in 754 affected sib-pair families from the U.K. and U.S. Evaluation of disease association by a multilocus transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) gave a P value of 0.484 for IAN4L1 and 0.692 for CBLB, suggesting that neither gene influences susceptibility to common alleles of human type 1 diabetes in these populations.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Retinal degeneration 12 (rd12): a new, spontaneously arising mouse model for human Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

PURPOSE: To report the phenotype and characterization of a new, naturally occurring mouse model of hereditary retinal degeneration (rd12). METHODS: The retinal phenotype of rd12 mice were studied using serial indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, electroretinography (ERG), genetic analysis including linkage studies and gene identification, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Mice homozygous for the rd12 mutation showed small punctate white spots on fundus examination at 5 months of age. The retina in the rd12 homozygote had a normal appearance at the light microscopic level until 6 weeks of age when occasional voids appeared in the outer segments (OS) of the photoreceptor (PR) cells. The outer nuclear layer (ONL) appeared normal until 3 months of age though more obvious voids were detected in the OS. By 7 months of age, 6 to 8 layers of ONL remained in the mutant retina, and the OS were obviously shorter. The first sign of retinal degeneration was detected at the electron microscopic level around 3 weeks of age when occasional small lipid-like droplets were detected in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). By 3 months of age, much larger, lipid-like droplets accumulated in RPE cells accompanied by some OS degeneration. While the histology indicated a relatively slow retinal degeneration in the rd12 homozygous mutant mice, the rod ERG response was profoundly diminished even at 3 weeks of age. Genetic analysis showed that rd12 was an autosomal recessive mutation and mapped to mouse chromosome 3 closely linked to D3Mit19, a location known to be near the mouse Rpe65 gene. Sequence analysis showed that the mouse retinal degeneration is caused by a nonsense mutation in exon 3 of the Rpe65 gene, and the gene symbol for the rd12 mutation has been updated to Rpe65rd12 to reflect this. No RPE65 expression, 11-cis retinal, or rhodopsin could be detected in retinas from rd12 homozygotes, while retinyl esters were found to accumulate in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the retinal pigment epithelium gene encoding RPE65 cause an early onset autosomal recessive form of human retinitis pigmentosa, known as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which results in blindness or severely impaired vision in children. A naturally arising mouse Rpe65 mutation provides a good model for studying the pathology of human RPE65 mutations and the effects of retinyl ester accumulation.

Animals↗

Mutational and structural analysis of Japanese patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II.

We investigated mutations of the iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S) gene and structural characteristics of I2S to clarify genotype/phenotype relationships in 18 Japanese patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II. The I2S gene was analyzed in five patients with a severe phenotype and in 13 patients with an attenuated phenotype. The tertiary structural model of the human I2S was constructed by homology modeling using the arylsulfatase structure as a template. We identified four missense mutations and a nonsense mutation in the severe phenotype; four missense, two nonsense, three frame shifts, and one each of splice and amino acid deletion in the attenuated phenotype. Seven of them (L73del, Q75X, G140R, C171R, V401 fs, C422 fs, and H441 fs) were novel mutations. Structural analysis indicated that the residues of the mutations found in the severe phenotype would have direct interactions with the active site residues or should break the hydrophobic core domain of I2S, whereas residues of the missense mutations found in the attenuated phenotype were located in the peripheral region. In addition, effects by deletion or frameshift mutations could also be interpreted by the structure. Structural analysis of mutant proteins would help in understanding the genotype/phenotype relationships of Hunter disease.

Adolescent↗

Null mutations in the lin-31 gene indicate two functions during Caenorhabditis elegans vulval development.

The lin-31 gene is required for the proper specification of vulval cell fates in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and encodes a member of the winged-helix family of transcription factors. Members of this important family have been identified in many organisms and are known to bind specific DNA targets involved in a variety of developmental processes. DNA sequencing of 13 lin-31 alleles revealed six nonsense mutations and two missense mutations within the DNA-binding domain, plus three deletions, one transposon insertion, and one frameshift mutation that all cause large-scale disruptions in the gene. The missense mutations are amino acid substitutions in the DNA-binding domain and probably disrupt interactions of the LIN-31 transcription factor with its DNA target. In addition, detailed phenotypic analysis of all 19 alleles showed similar penetrance for several characteristics examined. From our analysis we conclude: (1) the null phenotype of lin-31 is the phenotype displayed by almost all of the existing alleles, (2) the DNA-binding domain plays a critical role in LIN-31 function, and (3) direct screens for multivulva and vulvaless mutants will probably yield only null (or strong) alleles of lin-31.

Alleles↗

Mutations of AML1 are common in therapy-related myelodysplasia following therapy with alkylating agents and are significantly associated with deletion or loss of chromosome arm 7q and with subsequent leukemic transformation.

The AML1 transcription factor is essential for normal hematopoiesis and is the target of several chromosomal translocations in acute leukemia. Acquired somatic AML1 mutations were recently demonstrated sporadically in de novo myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) including a few cases of therapy-related disease (t-MDS/t-AML). We examined 140 patients with t-MDS or t-AML for AML1 mutations by direct sequencing. We identified 9 missense, 3 nonsense, and 10 frameshift mutations, all heterozygous, in 22 patients (15.7%). Thirteen mutations were located in the N-terminal Runt homology domain (RHD), whereas 9 mutations were located in the C-terminal region including the transactivation domain (TAD). Nineteen patients with AML1 mutations had previously received alkylating agents whereas 2 patients had received radiotherapy only. AML1 mutations were highly significantly associated with presentation of the disease as t-MDS (P =.003), with deletion or loss of chromosome arm 7q (P =.001) and with subsequent transformation to overt t-AML (P =.0001). Patients with missense mutations presented a shorter survival compared with patients with nonsense/frameshift mutations (P =.03). Our results suggest that AML1 mutations and deletion of genes on chromosome arm 7q cooperate in leukemogenesis and predispose to leukemic transformation.

Acute Disease↗