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The Breast Cancer Information Core (BIC) is an open access, on-line mutation database for breast cancer susceptibility genes. In addition to creating a catalogue of all mutations and polymorphisms in breast cancer susceptibility genes, a principle aim of the BIC is to facilitate the detection and characterization of these genes by providing technical support in the form of mutation detection protocols, primer sequences, and reagent access. Additional information at the site includes a literature review compiled from published studies, links to other internet-based, breast cancer information and research resources, and an interactive discussion forum which enables investigators to post or respond to questions and/or comments on a bulletin board. Hum Mutat 16:123-131, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Genetic epidemiological evidence suggests that mutations in BRCA1 may be responsible for approximately one half of early onset familial breast cancer and the majority of familial breast/ovarian cancer. The recent cloning of BRCA1 allows for the direct detection of mutations, but the feasibility of presymptomatic screening for cancer susceptibility is unknown. We analyzed genomic DNA from one affected individual from each of 24 families with at least three cases of ovarian or breast cancer, using SSCP assays. Variant SSCP bands were subcloned and sequenced. Allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization was used to verify sequence changes and to screen DNA from control individuals. Six frameshift and two missense mutations were detected in 10 different families. A frameshift mutation was detected in a male proband affected with both breast and prostate cancer. A 40-bp deletion was detected in a patient who developed intra-abdominal carcinomatosis 1 year after prophylactic oophorectomy. Mutations were detected throughout the gene, and only one was detected in more than a single family. These results provide further evidence that inherited breast and ovarian cancer can occur as a consequence of a wide array of BRCA1 mutations. These results suggests that development of a screening test for BRCA1 mutations will be technically challenging. The finding of a mutation in a family with male breast cancer, not previously thought to be related to BRCA1, also illustrates the potential difficulties of genetic counseling for individuals known to carry mutations.

We discovered the missense mutation, A226V, in the ornithine-delta-aminotransferase (OAT) genes of two unrelated patients with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GA). One patient, who was a compound for A226V and for the premature termination allele R398ter, showed a significant (P < .01) decrease in mean plasma ornithine levels, following pyridoxine supplementation with a constant protein intake: 826 +/- 128 microM (n = 5; no pyridoxine supplementation) versus 504 +/- 112 microM (n = 6; 500 mg pyridoxine/d) and 546 +/- 19 microM (n = 6; 1,000 mg pyridoxine/d). In extracts of fibroblasts from a second GA patient homozygous for A226V and from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing an OAT-cDNA-containing A226V, we found that OAT activity increased from undetectable levels to approximately 10% of normal when the concentration of pyridoxal phosphate was increased from 50 to 600 microM. A226V is the fourth disease-causing pyridoxine-responsive human mutation to be reported.

Family history is recognized widely as a significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer. A gene (BRCA1), mutations in which confer susceptibility to early-onset breast and ovarian cancer, has been mapped to chromosome 17q12-21. An intensive search for this gene is currently underway in a number of laboratories. Recent data support the hypothesis that BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene that may be important in the development of both inherited and sporadic breast and ovarian cancers. Genetic and physical maps of the BRCA1 candidate region largely have been completed and efforts are being directed at identification of candidate genes from within this region. A small number of families recently have received results of genetic-linkage testing, indicating which family members likely are to be carriers of a germline BRCA1 mutation, and, therefore, have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of approximately 85%. The imminent isolation of BRCA1 will make predictive testing for breast cancer a reality for many women and likely will pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the future.

Ornithine delta-aminotransferase is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial matrix enzyme which catalyzes the reversible interconversion of ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate to glutamate semialdehyde and glutamate. Inherited deficiency of ornithine delta-aminotransferase results in ornithine accumulation and a characteristic chorioretinal degeneration, gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina. We have surveyed the ornithine delta-aminotransferase genes of gyrate atrophy patients for mutations. Using a variety of techniques, we discovered and molecularly characterized 21 newly recognized ornithine delta-aminotransferase alleles. We determined the consequences of these and three previously described mutations on ornithine delta-aminotransferase mRNA, antigen, and enzyme activity in cultured fibroblasts. The majority (20/24) of these alleles produce normal amounts of normally sized ornithine delta-aminotransferase mRNA. By contrast, only 2/24 had normal amounts of ornithine delta-aminotransferase antigen. Reproducing these mutations by site-directed mutagenesis and expressing the mutant ornithine delta-aminotransferase in Chinese hamster ovary cells confirms that several of these mutations inactivate ornithine delta-aminotransferase and cause gyrate atrophy in these patients.