Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: spectrum of CREBBP mutations in Italian patients

BACKGROUND: Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS, MIM 180849) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by mental and growth retardation, broad and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms and increased risk of tumors. RSTS is caused by chromosomal rearrangements and point mutations in one copy of the CREB-binding protein gene (CREBBP or CBP) in 16p13.3. To date mutations in CREBBP have been reported in 56.6% of RSTS patients and an average figure of 10% has ascribed to deletions. METHODS: Our study is based on the mutation analysis of CREBBP in 31 Italian RSTS patients using segregation analysis of intragenic microsatellites, BAC FISH and direct sequencing of PCR and RT-PCR fragments. RESULTS: We identified a total of five deletions, two of the entire gene and three, all in a mosaic condition, involving either the 5' or the 3' region. By direct sequencing a total of 14 de novo mutations were identified: 10 truncating (5 frameshift and 5 nonsense), one splice site, and three novel missense mutations. Two of the latter affect the HAT domain, while one maps within the conserved nuclear receptor binding of (aa 1–170) and will probably destroy a Nuclear Localization Signal. Identification of the p.Asn1978Ser in the healthy mother of a patient also carrying a de novo frameshift mutation, questions the pathogenetic significance of the missense change reported as recurrent mutation. Thirteen additional polymorphisms, three as of yet unreported, were also detected. CONCLUSION: A high detection rate (61.3%) of mutations is confirmed by this Italian study which also attests one of the highest microdeletion rate (16%) documented so far

Phospholipase A2 stimulation during cell secretion in rat basophilic leukemia cells.

The bridging of IgE receptors on rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) results in a number of biochemical events that accompany histamine secretion. Prominent among these is the release of arachidonic acid from cellular phospholipids, which could be due to the activation of phospholipase enzymes. In the present experiments we studied the intracellular activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) during histamine release. RBL-2H3 cells were stimulated through the IgE receptor, and the homogenates were prepared and tested for phospholipase A2 activity on 1-stearoyl-2-[14C]arachidonyl-sn-3-phosphatidylcholine. The amount of activity in the homogenates was dependent on the concentration of secretagogue used to activate the cells. Under optimal conditions there was a 1.86 +/- 0.12-fold (mean +/- SEM, N = 44) increase in the activity found in homogenates of stimulated cells. Activity was present in homogenates prepared 30 sec after cell activation, was optimal between 5 and 10 min, and decreased later. In time course experiments the PLA2 activation preceded histamine release. The activation of the enzyme in the cell occurred in the presence of 10 microM EGTA in the extracellular medium, which completely inhibited release of arachidonic acid and histamine. However, the activity of the enzyme required Ca2+. The PLA2 activity in the homogenates and the extent of cell stimulation for histamine release were maximal at the same concentration of antigen, and both were blocked by the addition of a monovalent hapten. The enzyme in the homogenates was capable of cleaving arachidonic acid from different phospholipids. The production of lysophospholipids could play a critical role in histamine release from cells. These results demonstrate the activation of PLA2 enzyme in cellular homogenates during the secretory process