Dataset Information

A novel HSF4 gene mutation causes autosomal-dominant cataracts in a Chinese family.

ABSTRACT: Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment or blindness in children. One-third of cases estimated to have a genetic cause. We carried out gene analysis and bioinformatics analysis to map the locus and to identify the underlying genetic defect in a 12-member, four-generation Chinese family affected with bilateral congenital cataracts. We screened individuals of the family and discovered a distinct missense mutation in HSF4 (a gene at this locus that encodes teat-shock transcription factor 4). Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine possible changes in the protein structure that could affect the phenotype. Sequencing of the candidate genes showed a heterozygous c.69 G?T change in the heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) gene, which resulted in the substitution of a lysine with an asparagine (p. K23N). This mutation cosegregated with all affected individuals and was not observed in unaffected family members. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the p. K23N mutation was predicted to be disease causing. This is the first report of the novel missense mutation, c.69 G?T (p. K23N), in exon 3 of the HSF4 locus on 16q21-q22 associated with bilateral congenital cataracts in a Chinese family. This novel mutation could enable propergenetic diagnostics and counseling in affected families and could lead to a better understanding of the structure and function of HSF4 in health and disease.

SUBMITTER: Lv H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4025481 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A novel HSF4 gene mutation causes autosomal-dominant cataracts in a Chinese family.

Lv Huibin H Huang Chen C Zhang Jing J Liu Ziyuan Z Zhang Zhike Z Xu Haining H You Yuchen Y Hu Jinping J Li Xuemin X Li Xuemin X Wang Wei W

G3 (Bethesda, Md.) 20140317 5

Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment or blindness in children. One-third of cases estimated to have a genetic cause. We carried out gene analysis and bioinformatics analysis to map the locus and to identify the underlying genetic defect in a 12-member, four-generation Chinese family affected with bilateral congenital cataracts. We screened individuals of the family and discovered a distinct missense mutation in HSF4 (a gene at this locus that encodes teat-shock trans ...[more]

PMID: 24637349

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Project description:AimTo identify mutations in the genes of a four-generation Chinese family with congenital membranous cataracts and investigate the morphologic changes and possible functional damage underlying the role of the mutant gene.MethodsWhole exome analysis of thirteen members of a four-generation pedigree affected with congenital membranous cataracts was performed; co-segregation analysis of identified variants was validated by Sanger sequencing. All members underwent detailed physical and complete eye examinations. The physical changes caused by the mutation were analyzed in silico through homology modeling. The lens fiber block from a patient was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cell membrane proteins and cytoplasmic proteins from the human lenses donated by one patient with cataract in this family and from the dislocated lens resulted from the penetrating ocular trauma of a patient unrelated with this family were extracted, and the expression and localization of MP20 and Cx46 were detected by Western blot (WB) assay in these proteins.ResultsA novel LIM2 heterozygous mutation (c.388C>T, p.R130C) was identified with congenital membranous cataracts inherited by an autosomal dominant (AD) pattern. Nystagmus and amblyopia were observed in all patients of this family, and exotropia and long axial length were observed in most patients. A/B ultrasound scan and ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed obvious thin crystalline lenses from 1.7 to 2.7 mm in central thickness in all cataract eyes. The bioinformatic analysis showed that the mutation was deleterious to the physiological function of LIM2-encoded MP20. Furthermore, by SEM, ultrastructure of the cataract nucleus showed that lens fiber cells (LFCs) remained morphologic characteristics of immature fiber cells, including flap cell surface with straight edges and lacking normal ball-and-socket joint boundaries, which implied that the differentiation of LFCs might be inhibited. Accumulation of MP20 and Cx46 in the cytoplasm was observed in the cytoplasm of the LFCs in human cataract lens.ConclusionWe identify a novel heterozygous LIM2 (c.388C>T, p.R130C) mutation inherited by an AD pattern. This LIM2 mutation causes the abnormal sub-localization of MP20 and Cx46 in LFCs resulting in membranous cataracts.

Dataset Information

A novel HSF4 gene mutation causes autosomal-dominant cataracts in a Chinese family.

Publications

A novel HSF4 gene mutation causes autosomal-dominant cataracts in a Chinese family.

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