Novel beta-crystallin gene mutations in Chinese families with nuclear cataracts.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the molecular genetic background in families with nuclear congenital cataract.

METHODS:

Family history and clinical data were recorded. Ten candidate genes were screened for causative mutations. Direct sequencing was performed to analyze the cosegregation of the genotype with the disease phenotype. Effects of amino acid changes on the structure and function of protein were predicted by bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS:

Analyses of 20 Chinese families with hereditary nuclear congenital cataract revealed 3 novel mutations. Two of these mutations (V146M and I21N) affected βB2-crystallin (CRYBB2). One mutation (R233H) was detected in βB1-crystallin (CRYBB1). These mutations cosegregated with all affected individuals and were not observed in unaffected family members or the 150 healthy unrelated individuals.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CRYBB2 gene was shown to be another causative gene associated with congenital cataract and microcornea. Three novel mutations in β-crystallin genes (CRYB) were detected in Chinese families with nuclear autosomal dominant congenital cataracts, which underscores the genetic heterogeneity of this condition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

Studying the genetics of nuclear cataracts is helpful for better understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie this phenotype and for better disease management. This study helps expand the genotype of nuclear cataract and microcornea.

• Authors: Kai Jie Wang, Bin Bin Wang, Fengju Zhang, Yanyan Zhao, Xu Ma, Si Quan Zhu
• Journal: Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) (Arch Ophthalmol) Vol. 129 Issue 3 Pg. 337-43 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1538-3601 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21402992 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• CRYBB1 protein, human
• Connexins
• DNA Primers
• beta-Crystallin B Chain
• beta-crystallin B2

Topics

• Amino Acid Sequence
• Asian People (genetics)
• Base Sequence
• Cataract (diagnosis, genetics)
• Child, Preschool
• China (ethnology)
• Connexins (genetics)
• Cornea (abnormalities)
• DNA Mutational Analysis
• DNA Primers (chemistry)
• Eye Abnormalities (genetics)
• Female
• Genotype
• Humans
• Lens Nucleus, Crystalline (pathology)
• Male
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Mutation
• Pedigree
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• beta-Crystallin B Chain (genetics)