Hematologic biomarkers in childhood cataracts.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To date, more than thirty nine genetic loci have been associated with congenital cataracts. Despite this progress, current diagnostic techniques are insufficient for unraveling the underlying genetic defect in sporadic patients and small families. In the present manuscript we demonstrate the contribution of routine laboratory tests in the search for genetic defects of childhood cataracts.

METHODS:

Two families with congenital cataracts and hematologic findings that included hyperferritinemia and the "ii" blood type underwent detailed ophthalmologic and clinical examinations. Mutation analysis of the ferritin light chain (FTL) and glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 2, I-branching enzyme (GCNT2) genes was performed in the two families, respectively.

RESULTS:

In the family with the "ii" blood group we found a novel GCNT2 mutation c.G935A (p.G312D) in the cataract patients, while in the family with hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome we identified a G→C heterozygous mutation at position +32 of FTL.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hematologic biomarkers may simplify the search for the underlying molecular defect in families with congenital cataract.

• Authors: O Wussuki-Lior, A Abu-Horowitz, I Netzer, Z Almer, Y Morad, Y Goldich, V Yahalom, El Pras, Er Pras
• Journal: Molecular vision (Mol Vis) Vol. 17 Pg. 1011-5 (Apr 24 2011) ISSN: 1090-0535 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21541272 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Blood Group Antigens
• FTL protein, human
• Apoferritins
• N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IGnT
• N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases

Topics

• Adult
• Apoferritins (blood, genetics)
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Blood Group Antigens (analysis, genetics)
• Cataract (blood, complications, congenital, genetics, metabolism, pathology)
• Child
• Consanguinity
• DNA Mutational Analysis
• Female
• Genetic Linkage
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Humans
• Iron Metabolism Disorders (complications, congenital, genetics, metabolism)
• Israel
• Lens, Crystalline (metabolism, pathology)
• Male
• Mutation
• N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases (blood, genetics)
• Pedigree