Expanding the genetic heterogeneity of retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis.

Contains fulltext : 127381.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, 10 juli 2014Promotor : Cremers, F.P.M. Co-promotores : Collin, R.W.J., Hollander, A.I. den, Born, L.I. van de

JAK2 and MPL gene mutations in V617F-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Item does not contain fulltextWe report three novel mutations in JAK2 exons 12, 19 and 25 in V617F-negative patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis. Scanning of JAK2 exons 12-25 and MPL exon 10 revealed the presence of JAK2 alterations in six and MPL W515L/K mutations in five of 34 patients with myeloproliferative disorders. Our results confirm that routine JAK2 analysis should include exon 12 mutations in polycythemia vera patients. MPL gene mutations seem to be associated with thrombocytosis, regardless of the type of myeloproliferative neoplasm.1 maart 201

A novel crumbs homolog 1 mutation in a family with retinitis pigmentosa, nanophthalmos, and optic disc drusen

Contains fulltext : 111029.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the genetic defect in a Turkish family with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, nanophthalmos, and optic disc drusen. METHODS: Ophthalmological examinations consisted of measuring the best-corrected visual acuity and the refractive error, electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, B-mode ultrasonography, and fundus photography. The involvement of the membrane frizzled-related protein (MFRP) gene in this family was studied with direct DNA sequencing of the coding exons of MFRP and with linkage analysis with microsatellite markers. After MFRP was excluded, genome-wide homozygosity mapping was performed with 250 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays. Mutation analysis of the crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene was performed with direct sequencing. RESULTS: Ophthalmological evaluation of both affected individuals in the family revealed a decreased axial length (18-19 mm), retinal dystrophy, macular edema, and hyperopia of >+8.0 diopters. Sequencing of MFRP did not reveal any pathogenic changes, and microsatellite marker analysis showed that the chromosomal region did not segregate within the disease in this family. Genome-wide homozygosity mapping using single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays revealed a 28-Mb homozygous region encompassing the CRB1 gene, and direct sequencing disclosed a novel homozygous missense mutation (p.Gly833Asp) in CRB1. CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies associated mutations in the MFRP gene with the syndrome nanophthalmos-retinitis pigmentosa-foveoschisis-optic disc drusen. In this study, we demonstrated that a similar disease complex can be caused by mutations in the CRB1 gene

Genomic approaches for the discovery of genes mutated in inherited retinal degeneration

In view of their high degree of genetic heterogeneity, inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) pose a significant challenge for identifying novel genetic causes. Thus far, more than 200 genes have been found to be mutated in IRDs, which together contain causal variants in >80% of the cases. Accurate genetic diagnostics is particularly important for isolated cases, in which X-linked and de novo autosomal dominant variants are not uncommon. In addition, new gene- or mutation-specific therapies are emerging, underlining the importance of identifying causative mutations in each individual. Sanger sequencing of selected genes followed by cost-effective targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) can identify defects in known IRD-associated genes in the majority of the cases. Exome NGS in combination with genetic linkage or homozygosity mapping studies can aid the identification of the remaining causal genes. As these are thought to be mutated in <1% of the cases, validation through functional modeling in, for example, zebrafish and/or replication through the genotyping of large patient cohorts is required. In the near future, whole genome NGS in combination with transcriptome NGS may reveal mutations that are currently hidden in the noncoding regions of the human genome

Identification of a novel nonsense mutation in RP1 that causes autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in an Indonesian family

Contains fulltext : 108199.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying molecular genetic defect in an Indonesian family with three affected individuals who had received a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Clinical evaluation of the family members included measuring visual acuity and fundoscopy, and assessing visual field and color vision. Genomic DNA of the three affected individuals was analyzed with Illumina 700k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, and homozygous regions were identified using PLINK software. Mutation analysis was performed with sequence analysis of the retinitis pigmentosa 1 (RP1) gene that resided in one of the homozygous regions. The frequency of the identified mutation in the Indonesian population was determined with TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: A novel homozygous nonsense mutation in exon 4 of the RP1 gene, c.1012C>T (p.R338*), was identified in the proband and her two affected sisters. Unaffected family members either carried two wild-type alleles or were heterozygous carriers of the mutation. The mutation was not present in 184 Indonesian control samples. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the previously reported RP1 mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant mode, and appear to cluster in exon 4. Here, we identified a novel homozygous p.R338* mutation in exon 4 of RP1, and speculate on the mutational mechanisms of different RP1 mutations underlying dominant and recessive RP

Prenylation defects in inherited retinal diseases

Item does not contain fulltextMany proteins depend on post-translational prenylation for a correct subcellular localisation and membrane anchoring. This involves the covalent attachment of farnesyl or geranylgeranyl residues to cysteines residing in consensus motifs at the C-terminal parts of proteins. Retinal photoreceptor cells are highly compartmentalised and membranous structures, and therefore it can be expected that the proper function of many retinal proteins depends on prenylation, which has been proven for several proteins that are absent or defective in different inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). These include proteins involved in the phototransduction cascade, such as GRK1, the phosphodiesterase 6 subunits and the transducin gamma subunit, or proteins involved in transport processes, such as RAB28 and retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR). In addition, there is another class of general prenylation defects due to mutations in proteins such as AIPL1, PDE6D and rab escort protein-1 (REP-1), which can act as chaperones for subsets of prenylated retinal proteins that are associated with IRDs. REP-1 also is a key accessory protein of geranylgeranyltransferase II, an enzyme involved in the geranylgeranylation of almost all members of a large family of Rab GTPases. Finally, mutations in the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene, which were known to be principally associated with mevalonic aciduria, were recently associated with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. We hypothesise that MVK deficiency results in a depletion of prenyl moieties that affects the prenylation of many proteins synthesised specifically in the retina, including Rabs. In this review, we discuss the entire spectrum of prenylation defects underlying progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid

Putative digenic inheritance of heterozygous RP1L1 and C2orf71 null mutations in syndromic retinal dystrophy

Contains fulltext : 174798.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of inherited retinal degeneration and can occur in non-syndromic and syndromic forms. Syndromic RP is accompanied by other symptoms such as intellectual disability, hearing loss, or congenital abnormalities. Both forms are known to exhibit complex genetic interactions that can modulate the penetrance and expressivity of the phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an individual with atypical RP, hearing loss, ataxia and cerebellar atrophy, whole exome sequencing was performed. The candidate pathogenic variants were tested by developing an in vivo zebrafish model and assaying for retinal and cerebellar integrity. RESULTS: Exome sequencing revealed a complex heterozygous protein-truncating mutation in RP1L1, p.[(Lys111Glnfs*27; Gln2373*)], and a heterozygous nonsense mutation in C2orf71, p.(Ser512*). Mutations in both genes have previously been implicated in autosomal recessive non-syndromic RP, raising the possibility of a digenic model in this family. Functional testing in a zebrafish model for two key phenotypes of the affected person showed that the combinatorial suppression of rp1l1 and c2orf71l induced discrete pathology in terms of reduction of eye size with concomitant loss of rhodopsin in the photoreceptors, and disorganization of the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the combination of heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in these genes drives syndromic retinal dystrophy, likely through the genetic interaction of at least two loci. Haploinsufficiency at each of these loci is insufficient to induce overt pathology

Molecular genetic analysis of retinitis pigmentosa in Indonesia using genome-wide homozygosity mapping

Contains fulltext : 98108.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder. Despite tremendous knowledge about the genes involved in RP, little is known about the genetic causes of RP in Indonesia. Here, we aim to identify the molecular genetic causes underlying RP in a small cohort of Indonesian patients, using genome-wide homozygosity mapping. METHODS: DNA samples from affected and healthy individuals from 14 Indonesian families segregating autosomal recessive, X-linked, or isolated RP were collected. Homozygosity mapping was conducted using Illumina 6k or Affymetrix 5.0 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Known autosomal recessive RP (arRP) genes residing in homozygous regions and X-linked RP genes were sequenced for mutations. RESULTS: In ten out of the 14 families, homozygous regions were identified that contained genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of RP. Sequence analysis of these genes revealed seven novel homozygous mutations in ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 4 (ABCA4), crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1), eyes shut homolog (Drosophila) (EYS), c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MERTK), nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group E, member 3 (NR2E3) and phosphodiesterase 6A, cGMP-specific, rod, alpha (PDE6A), all segregating in the respective families. No mutations were identified in the X-linked genes retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) and retinitis pigmentosa 2 (X-linked recessive; RP2). CONCLUSIONS: Homozygosity mapping is a powerful tool to identify the genetic defects underlying RP in the Indonesian population. Compared to studies involving patients from other populations, the same genes appear to be implicated in the etiology of recessive RP in Indonesia, although all mutations that were discovered are novel and as such may be unique for this population

IMPG2-Associated Retinitis Pigmentosa Displays Relatively Early Macular Involvement

Contains fulltext : 138202.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: To provide the first detailed clinical description in patients with RP caused by recessive mutations in IMPG2. METHODS: This international collaborative study includes 17 RP patients with inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in IMPG2. The patients were clinically (re-)examined, including extensive medical history taking, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, perimetry, ERG, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, fundus photography, and color vision tests. The main outcome measures included mean age at onset, initial symptom, best-corrected visual acuity, fundus appearance, perimetry results, ERG responses, OCT images, FAF imaging, color vision test reports and DNA sequence variants. RESULTS: The mean age at onset was 10.5 years (range, 4-20 years). Initial symptoms included night blindness in 59% of patients, a decreased visual acuity in 35%, and visual field loss in 6%. Fundus abnormalities were typical of RP: optic disc pallor, attenuated vessels, bone spicules, and generalized atrophy of the retina and choriocapillaris. Additionally, we observed macular abnormalities in all patients, ranging from subtle mottling of the macular pigment epithelium (two patients) and a bull's eye maculopathy (seven patients) to macular chorioretinal atrophy (seven patients). CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in IMPG2 cause a severe form of RP with symptoms manifesting in the first 2 decades of life. IMPG2-associated RP is frequently accompanied by macular involvement, ranging from mild pigment alterations to profound chorioretinal atrophy. The resulting decrease in central vision in combination with the severe tunnel vision leads to severe visual impairment in patients with IMPG2-associated RP

Novel compound heterozygous NMNAT1 variants associated with Leber congenital amaurosis

Contains fulltext : 136408.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: The gene encoding nicotinamide nucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) was recently found to be mutated in a subset of patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) with macular atrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and frequency of NMNAT1 mutations and associated phenotypes in different types of inherited retinal dystrophies. METHODS: DNA samples of 161 patients with LCA without genetic diagnosis were analyzed for variants in NMNAT1 using Sanger sequencing. Variants in exon 5 of NMNAT1, which harbors the majority of the previously identified mutations, were screened in 532 additional patients with retinal dystrophies. This cohort encompassed 108 persons with isolated or autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), 271 with isolated or autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and 49 with autosomal dominant RP, as well as 104 persons with LCA in whom the causative mutation was previously identified. RESULTS: Compound heterozygous alterations were found in six patients with LCA and in one person with early-onset RP. All except one carried the common p.E257K variant on one allele. Macular atrophy was absent in one patient, who carried this variant in combination with a truncating mutation on the other allele. The p.E257K alteration was also found in a heterozygous state in five individuals with LCA and one with RP while no mutation was detected on the other allele. Two individuals with LCA carried other NMNAT1 variants in a heterozygous state, whereas no NMNAT1 variants in exon 5 were identified in individuals with CRD. The p.E257K variant was found to be enriched in a heterozygous state in individuals with LCA (0.94%) compared to Caucasian controls (0.18%), although the difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Although macular atrophy can occur in LCA and CRD, no NMNAT1 mutations were found in the latter cohort. NMNAT1 variants were also not found in a large group of patients with sporadic or autosomal recessive RP. The enrichment of p.E257K in a heterozygous state in patients with LCA versus controls suggests that this allele could act as a modifier in other genetic subtypes of LCA