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We report a case of late-onset predominantly axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease resulting from a novel mutation in the MPZ gene encoding myelin protein zero (P0). Neurological examination, electrophysiological examination and genetic testing were performed on three members of a Finnish family (family A) and one member of a German family (family B). Three other members of the Finnish family were interviewed and genetically tested. Genetic testing was also performed on 95 healthy Finnish controls. Three members in two generations of family A and the member of family B were affected with late-onset axonal more than demyelinating, motor and sensory polyneuropathy. Heterozygous c.316C>T mutation in MPZ leading to p.Arg106Cys in P0 was found in all the affected subjects, but not in the three unaffected members of the Finnish family. None of 95 healthy Finnish controls harbored the mutation. The findings of this study indicate that p.Arg106Cys allele in MPZ causes late-onset predominantly axonal sensory and motor neuropathy.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a painful inflammatory bowel disease with complex multigenic inheritance. Suggested on the basis of a few isolated reports CD patients require significantly higher post operative opioid doses than patients undergoing comparable severe abdominal surgery. Crohn's disease therefore may be a suitable model for the identification of novel pain susceptibility genes. In order to confirm this observation and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we investigated if higher opioid needs of CD patients are due to a general change in pain sensitivity. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was applied to a subgroup of patients and polymorphisms in the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) were investigated. Significantly increased post operative opioid requirements in CD patients were confirmed and QST assessment demonstrates that CD patients do not display increased pain sensitivity in terms of lowered thresholds to thermal and mechanical stimuli. The data also suggest that common variants in OPRM1 and specific 'high pain sensitivity'COMT haplotypes may not be the cause of high opioid needs. The results indicate that a more complex pathway is involved in the greater post operative opioid demand in CD. Therefore the presence of other, as yet unknown, genes could modulate opioid requirements in CD patients.

International audience; Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), a severe childhood disorder affecting both the peripheral nerves and the central nervous system, is due to mutations in the GAN gene encoding gigaxonin, a protein implicated in the cytoskeletal functions and dynamics. In the majority of the GAN series reported to date, patients had the classical clinical phenotype characterized by a severe axonal neuropathy with kinky hair and early onset CNS involvement including cerebellar and pyramidal signs. We present 12 patients (6 families) with GAN mutations and different clinical phenotypes. Four families were harbouring an identical homozygous nonsense mutation but with different severe clinical phenotypes, one patient had a novel missense homozygous mutation with a peculiar moderate phenotype and prominent skeletal deformations. The last family (4 patients) harbouring a homozygous missense mutation had the mildest form of the disease. In contrast with recent reported series of patients with typical GAN clinical features, the present series demonstrate obvious clinical heterogeneity.

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is most frequently caused by deletion of a 1.4-Mb region in chromosome 17p11.2-12 including the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. Smaller deletions partially affecting the PMP22 gene are less frequently observed. We identified in a HNPP patient a deletion of the 5' region of PMP22 including non-coding exon 1, coding exons 2 and 3, whereas, exons 4 and 5 were present. PMP22 exon 3- and 4-specific qPCR resulted in a deletion of one exon 3 allele but in the presence of 2 exon 4 alleles. SNP analysis revealed the presence of heterozygosity for PMP22 coding exons 4 and 5. Finally, MLPA specific for the CMT1A region defined this deletion for the entire 5' region of PMP22 (exons 1, 2 and 3). These partial HNPP deletions may be missed by other techniques, e.g., STR marker analysis. Alu elements have been reported to mediate non-allelic recombination events. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 12 Alu elements flanking in close neighbourhood the estimated 40-kb deletion region as candidates for recombination events. PCR primers were designed to identify a breakpoint-spanning product including the respective Alu elements. PCR-driven identification of a junction fragment was successful with AluJo-AluSq and AluYb9-AluSq specific primer pairs comprising the same intronic region of PMP22. Sequence analysis of these breakpoint-overlapping PCR fragments revealed a 29-bp motif including a chi-like sequence (GCTGG) present both in the AluYb9 and the AluSq element. These data confirm that low-copy repeats (LCRs) mediate non-allelic homologous recombinations (NAHR).

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C (CMT4C) is a childhood-onset demyelinating form of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy associated with an early-onset scoliosis and a distinct Schwann cell pathology. CMT4C is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and has been mapped to a 13-cM linkage interval on chromosome 5q23-q33. By homozygosity mapping and allele-sharing analysis, we refined the CMT4C locus to a suggestive critical region of 1.7 Mb. We subsequently identified mutations in an uncharacterized transcript, KIAA1985, in 12 families with autosomal recessive neuropathy. We observed eight distinct protein-truncating mutations and three nonconservative missense mutations affecting amino acids conserved through evolution. In all families, we identified a mutation on each disease allele, either in the homozygous or in the compound heterozygous state. The CMT4C gene is strongly expressed in neural tissues, including peripheral nerve tissue. The translated protein defines a new protein family of unknown function with putative orthologues in vertebrates. Comparative sequence alignments indicate that members of this protein family contain multiple SH3 and TPR domains that are likely involved in the formation of protein complexes.

Contains fulltext : 88055.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The Na(v)1.7 sodium channel is preferentially expressed in nocioceptive dorsal root ganglion and sympathetic ganglion neurons. Gain-of-function mutations in Na(v)1.7 produce the nocioceptor hyperexcitability underlying inherited erythromelalgia, characterized in most kindreds by early-age onset of severe pain. Here we describe a mutation (Na(v)1.7-G616R) in a pedigree with adult-onset of pain in some family members. The mutation shifts the voltage-dependence of channel fast-inactivation in a depolarizing direction in the adult-long, but not in the neonatal-short splicing isoform of Na(v)1.7 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Altered inactivation does not depend on the age of the dorsal root ganglion neurons in which the mutant is expressed. Expression of the mutant adult-long, but not the mutant neonatal-short, isoform of Na(v)1.7 renders dorsal root ganglion neurons hyperexcitable, reducing the current threshold for generation of action potentials, increasing spontaneous activity and increasing the frequency of firing in response to graded suprathreshold stimuli. This study shows that a change in relative expression of splice isoforms can contribute to time-dependent manifestation of the functional phenotype of a sodium channelopathy. 01 juni 2010

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that is characterized by severe pain and exaggerated neurogenic inflammation, which may develop after injury or surgery. Neurogenic inflammation is mediated by neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) that are released from nociceptors. Genetic factors may play a role in CRPS as was suggested by the occurrence of familial cases and several genetic association studies investigating mainly the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. Here we investigated the role of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a key enzyme in neuropeptide catabolism. NEP dysfunction resulting in reduced inactivation of neuropeptides may be a possible pathomechanism in CRPS. To this end, we tested a GT-repeat polymorphism, in the NEP promoter region as well as 18 tag-SNPs in six linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks in the NEP gene region in 320 CRPS patients and 376 controls. No significant genetic association was observed. Thus, we conclude that the NEP gene does not seem to be a major risk factor for CRPS. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. All mendelian patterns of inheritance have been described. We identified a homozygous p.A335V mutation in the MED25 gene in an extended Costa Rican family with autosomal recessively inherited Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy linked to the CMT2B2 locus in chromosome 19q13.3. MED25, also known as ARC92 and ACID1, is a subunit of the human activator-recruited cofactor (ARC), a family of large transcriptional coactivator complexes related to the yeast Mediator. MED25 was identified by virtue of functional association with the activator domains of multiple cellular and viral transcriptional activators. Its exact physiological function in transcriptional regulation remains obscure. The CMT2B2-associated missense amino acid substitution p. A335V is located in a proline-rich region with high affinity for SH3 domains of the Abelson type. The mutation causes a decrease in binding specificity leading to the recognition of a broader range of SH3 domain proteins. Furthermore, Med25 is coordinately expressed with Pmp22 gene dosage and expression in transgenic mice and rats. These results suggest a potential role of this protein in the molecular etiology of CMT2B2 and suggest a potential, more general role of MED25 in gene dosage sensitive peripheral neuropathy pathogenesis. © Springer-Verlag 20 La enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) es un trastorno clínica y genéticamente heterogéneo. Se han descrito todos los patrones mendelianos de herencia. Identificamos una mutación homocigota p.A335V en el gen MED25 en una familia extensa costarricense con neuropatía de Charcot-Marie-Tooth de herencia autosómica recesiva ligada al locus CMT2B2 en el cromosoma 19q13.3. MED25, también conocido como ARC92 y ACID1, es una subunidad del cofactor humano reclutado por activador (ARC), una familia de grandes complejos coactivadores transcripcionales relacionados con el mediador de levadura. MED25 se identificó en virtud de la asociación funcional con los dominios activadores de múltiples activadores transcripcionales celulares y virales. Su función fisiológica exacta en la regulación transcripcional sigue siendo oscura. La sustitución de aminoácidos sin sentido asociada a CMT2B2 p. A335V se encuentra en una región rica en prolina con alta afinidad por los dominios SH3 de tipo Abelson. La mutación provoca una disminución en la especificidad de unión que conduce al reconocimiento de una gama más amplia de proteínas del dominio SH3. Además, Med25 se expresa coordinadamente con la dosificación y expresión del gen Pmp22 en ratones y ratas transgénicas. Estos resultados sugieren un papel potencial de esta proteína en la etiología molecular de CMT2B2 y sugieren un papel potencial más general de MED25 en la patogénesis de la neuropatía periférica sensible a la dosis génica. © Springer-Verlag 20 Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica. Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas

The LMNA gene was sequenced in 98 Czech patients from 94 unrelated families with early-onset axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease consistent with both autosomal recessive inheritance and sporadic cases. Biallelic pathogenic mutations were not found in any patient in this group. One patient carried the c.1870C>T mutation that is predicted to result in the amino-acid substitution, p. Arg624Cys, on one allele, but the second causative mutation was not detected. LMNA mutation is not likely to be associated with the disease in this family. To exclude larger deletions/duplications in the LMNA gene not detectable by sequencing, 48 patients from this group were also analyzed with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. No rearrangements in the LMNA gene were detected. We conclude that mutations in the LMNA gene are absent from a large group of Czech patients with axonal autosomal recessive CMT disease. Consequently, LMNA mutation screening does not seem to be relevant for axonal CMT DNA diagnostics. A similar situation may apply to other European populations.

Background Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN, MIM: 256850 ) is characterized by an early onset of severe peripheral neuropathy, varying central nervous system involvement and strikingly frizzly hair. Mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive. Mutations in the gigaxonin ( GAN ) gene on chromosome 16q24.1 are frequently observed for this disorder, but genetic heterogeneity has been demonstrated for a milder variant of GAN. Gigaxonin binds C-terminally to various microtubule associated proteins causing their ubiquitin-mediated degradation. For several gigaxonin mutations it was shown that they hamper this process resulting finally in accumulation of microtubule associated proteins which may disturb cellular functions. Here, we report a family originating in India with two patients showing typical clinical signs suggestive of GAN. Methodology Genomic DNA was analyzed for both siblings and their parents in order to detect the molecular changes in the GAN gene. The complete coding region including flanking sequences was amplified using published primer sequences. The PCR products were sequenced on both strands after purification using an ABI 3730 (Applied Biosystems) capillary sequencer. The resulting sequences were evaluated using SeqPilot (JSI-medical systems GmbH) and were compared to the reference sequences ( NT_024797 , NM_022041 ) given in the NCBI-database. Conclusions An AluYa5 insertion (c.1657ALUYa5ins, p.Thr553_Pro597del) in exon 11 of the GAN gene was identified homozygous in both siblings, whereas the parents were heterozygous carriers of this mutation. Here, the reported mutation is located in C-terminal part of the protein affecting the terminal kelch domain. Thus a functional important part of the protein is altered by the AluYa5 insertion and causes GAN.

Mutations in the mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene are a major cause of primary axonal Charcot- Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy. This study aims at further characterization of cerebral white matter alterations observed in patients with MFN2 mutations. Molecular genetic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) investigations were performed in four unrelated patients aged 7 to 38 years with early onset axonal CMT neuropathy. Three distinct and so far undescribed MFN2 mutations were detected. Two patients had secondary macrocephaly and mild diffuse predominantly periventricular white matter alterations on MRI. In addition, one boy had symmetrical T2-hyperintensities in both thalami. Two patients had optic atrophy, one of them with normal MRI. In three patients proton MRS revealed elevated concentrations of total N-acetyl compounds (neuronal marker), total creatine (found in all cells) and myo-inositol (astrocytic marker) in cerebral white and gray matter though with regional variation. These alterations were most pronounced in the two patients with abnormal MRI. DTI of these patients revealed mild reductions of fractional anisotropy and mild increase of mean diffusivity in white matter. The present findings indicate an enhanced cellular density in cerebral white matter of MFN2 neuropathy which is primarily due to a reactive gliosis without axonal damage and possibly accompanied by mild demyelination.

Previous studies of genes involved in the production of sakacin P by Lactobacillus sakei Lb674 revealed the presence of an inducible promoter downstream of the known spp gene clusters. We show here that this promoter drives the expression of an operon consisting of a bacteriocin gene ( sppQ ), a cognate immunity gene ( spiQ ), another gene with an unknown function ( orf4 ), and a pseudoimmunity gene containing a frameshift mutation ( orf5 ). The leader peptide of the new one-peptide bacteriocin sakacin Q contains consensus elements that are typical for so-called “double-glycine” leader peptides. The mature bacteriocin shows weak similarity to the BrcA peptide of the two-peptide bacteriocin brochocin C. Sakacin Q has an antimicrobial spectrum that differs from that of sakacin P, thus expanding the antimicrobial properties of the producer strain. The genes encoding sakacin Q and its cognate immunity protein showed strong translational coupling, which was investigated in detail by analyzing the properties of a series of β-glucuronidase fusions. Our results provide experimental evidence that production of the bacteriocin and production of the cognate immunity protein are tightly coregulated at the translational level.

artículo -- Universidad de Costa Rica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud. 2003. Este documento es privado debido a limitaciones de derechos de autor. A human myosin heavy chain gene was identified in chromosome 19q13 by computational sequence analysis, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing of the cDNA. The complete cDNA has a length of 6786 bp and comprises 41 exons (40 coding) included in 108 kb of genomic sequence. Alternative splicing variants were also identified. The gene is expressed in a multitude of tissues, but mainly in small intestine, colon and skeletal muscle. The putative protein (228 kDa) carries the common myosin domains and presents high homology with the nonmuscle myosin heavy chains (MYH9 and MY1410) as well as the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain MYH11. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analysis indicated that these homologous proteins are more related among themselves than to MY1-114, suggesting that possibly this myosin heavy chain should be classified in a new myosin-subfamily. Universidad de Costa Rica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA)

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder of the peripheral nervous system. CMT type 1 is most frequently caused by a 1.4 Mb tandem duplication in chromosome 17p11.2 comprising the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. Furthermore sequence variations of PMP22, myelin protein zero (MPZ) and the gap junction protein b 1 gene (GJB1 or Connexin 32) may cause a variety of distinct CMT phenotypes. In this study we screened DNA from 42 unrelated patients for mutations in the PMP22, MPZ and GJB1 genes. Four novel mutations were identified. A Val65Phe amino acid exchange in PMP22 causes CMT type 1 associated with deafness, in GJB1 Tyr7_Thr8delinsSer, Pro172Ala and Ser138Asn are causes of CMTX neuropathies".

PMP22 is a dosage sensitive gene responsible for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) neuropathy and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). PMP22 is expressed in myelinating Schwann cells in the peripheral nerve, but also in a variety of other tissues. PMP22 expression is regulated by alternatively used promoters, the relative expression of the different PMP22 transcripts is tissue-specific. At first we analysed the transcriptional startpoints of the different PMP22 transcripts. Transcript 1A starts from a distinct nucleotide, whereas transcript 1B and the here described transcript 1C revealed multiple transcriptional startpoints in sciatic nerve as well as in the osteosarcoma and glioblastoma cell lines, RH30 and SF763. Using promoter specific primers we identified transcripts from each of the three promoters in sciatic nerve and RH30, whereas transcript 1B is absent in SF763. Leukocytes do not express PMP22 at all. Additionally, we determined the methylation pattern of CpG islands present in the PMP22 promoters 1B and 1C for leukocytes, sciatic nerve, SF763 and RH30, the latter carrying multiple copies of the PMP22 gene. We observed that there was no methylation in promoter 1B and 1C in sciatic nerve and leukocytes. However, hypermethylation of promoter 1B was discovered in SF763 and indicates a silencing effect. In RH30 most copies of promoters 1B and 1C were methylated but the few remaining hypomethylated copies were sufficient for strong expression of PMP22. These results indicate that the transcriptional control in tumor cell lines is probably different from leukocytes and sciatic nerve.