Mutations in genes in the renin-angiotensin system are associated with autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis

Autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis is a severe disorder of renal tubular development characterized by persistent fetal anuria and perinatal death, probably due to pulmonary hypoplasia from early-onset oligohydramnios (Potter phenotype). Absence or paucity of differentiated proximal tubules is the histopathological hallmark of the disease and may be associated with skull ossification defects. We studied 11 individuals with renal tubular dysgenesis, belonging to nine families, and found that they had homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the genes encoding renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme or angiotensin II receptor type 1. We propose that renal lesions and early anuria result from chronic low perfusion pressure of the fetal kidney, a consequence of renin-angiotensin system inactivity. This is the first identification to our knowledge of a renal mendelian disorder linked to genetic defects in the renin-angiotensin system, highlighting the crucial role of the renin-angiotensin system in human kidney development.     

Mutations of the X-linked genes encoding neuroligins NLGN3 and NLGN4 are associated with autism

Many studies have supported a genetic etiology for autism. Here we report mutations in two X-linked genes encoding neuroligins NLGN3 and NLGN4 in siblings with autism-spectrum disorders. These mutations affect cell-adhesion molecules localized at the synapse and suggest that a defect of synaptogenesis may predispose to autism.     

Mutations in ENPP1 are associated with 'idiopathic' infantile arterial calcification

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC; OMIM 208000) is characterized by calcification of the internal elastic lamina of muscular arteries and stenosis due to myointimal proliferation. We analyzed affected individuals from 11 unrelated kindreds and found that IIAC was associated with mutations that inactivated ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). This cell surface enzyme generates inorganic pyrophosphate (PP(i)), a solute that regulates cell differentiation and serves as an essential physiologic inhibitor of calcification.     

Multiple ADH genes are associated with upper aerodigestive cancers

Alcohol is an important risk factor for upper aerodigestive cancers and is principally metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes. We have investigated six ADH genetic variants in over 3,800 aerodigestive cancer cases and 5,200 controls from three individual studies. Gene variants rs1229984 (ADH1B) and rs1573496 (ADH7) were significantly protective against aerodigestive cancer in each individual study and overall (P = 10(-10) and 10(-9), respectively). These effects became more apparent with increasing alcohol consumption (P for trend = 0.0002 and 0.065, respectively). Both gene effects were independent of each other, implying that multiple ADH genes may be involved in upper aerodigestive cancer etiology.     

Hypomorphic mutations in syndromic encephalocele genes are associated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome

Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS) is a genetically heterogeneous, neonatally lethal malformation and the most common form of syndromic neural tube defect (NTD). To date, several MKS-associated genes have been identified whose protein products affect ciliary function. Here we show that mutations in MKS1, MKS3 and CEP290 (also known as NPHP6) either can cause Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) or may have a potential epistatic effect on mutations in known BBS-associated loci. Five of six families with both MKS1 and BBS mutations manifested seizures, a feature that is not a typical component of either syndrome. Functional studies in zebrafish showed that mks1 is necessary for gastrulation movements and that it interacts genetically with known bbs genes. Similarly, we found two families with missense or splice mutations in MKS3, in one of which the affected individual also bears a homozygous nonsense mutation in CEP290 that is likely to truncate the C terminus of the protein. These data extend the genetic stratification of ciliopathies and suggest that BBS and MKS, although distinct clinically, are allelic forms of the same molecular spectrum.     

Mutations in TNFRSF13B encoding TACI are associated with common variable immunodeficiency in humans

The functional interaction of BAFF and APRIL with TNF receptor superfamily members BAFFR, TACI and BCMA is crucial for development and maintenance of humoral immunity in mice and humans. Using a candidate gene approach, we identified homozygous and heterozygous mutations in TNFRSF13B, encoding TACI, in 13 individuals with common variable immunodeficiency. Homozygosity with respect to mutations causing the amino acid substitutions S144X and C104R abrogated APRIL binding and resulted in loss of TACI function, as evidenced by impaired proliferative response to IgM-APRIL costimulation and defective class switch recombination induced by IL-10 and APRIL or BAFF. Family members heterozygous with respect to the C104R mutation and individuals with sporadic common variable immunodeficiency who were heterozygous with respect to the amino acid substitutions A181E, S194X and R202H had humoral immunodeficiency. Although signs of autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation are evident, the human phenotype differs from that of the Tnfrsf13b-/- mouse model.     

Mutations in a Sar1 GTPase of COPII vesicles are associated with lipid absorption disorders

Dietary fat is an important source of nutrition. Here we identify eight mutations in SARA2 that are associated with three severe disorders of fat malabsorption. The Sar1 family of proteins initiates the intracellular transport of proteins in COPII (coat protein)-coated vesicles. Our data suggest that chylomicrons, which vastly exceed the size of typical COPII vesicles, are selectively recruited by the COPII machinery for transport through the secretory pathways of the cell.     

Mutations in CLCN2 encoding a voltage-gated chloride channel are associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies

Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting about 0.4% of the world's population. Mutations in ten genes causing distinct forms of idiopathic epilepsy have been identified so far, but the genetic basis of many IGE subtypes is still unknown. Here we report a gene associated with the four most common IGE subtypes: childhood and juvenile absence epilepsy (CAE and JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and epilepsy with grand mal seizures on awakening (EGMA; ref. 8). We identified three different heterozygous mutations in the chloride-channel gene CLCN2 in three unrelated families with IGE. These mutations result in (i) a premature stop codon (M200fsX231), (ii) an atypical splicing (del74-117) and (iii) a single amino-acid substitution (G715E). All mutations produce functional alterations that provide distinct explanations for their pathogenic phenotypes. M200fsX231 and del74-117 cause a loss of function of ClC-2 channels and are expected to lower the transmembrane chloride gradient essential for GABAergic inhibition. G715E alters voltage-dependent gating, which may cause membrane depolarization and hyperexcitability.     

Mutations in GFAP, encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein, are associated with Alexander disease

Alexander disease is a rare disorder of the central nervous system of unknown etiology. Infants with Alexander disease develop a leukoencephalopathy with macrocephaly, seizures and psychomotor retardation, leading to death usually within the first decade; patients with juvenile or adult forms typically experience ataxia, bulbar signs and spasticity, and a more slowly progressive course. The pathological hallmark of all forms of Alexander disease is the presence of Rosenthal fibers, cytoplasmic inclusions in astrocytes that contain the intermediate filament protein GFAP in association with small heat-shock proteins. We previously found that overexpression of human GFAP in astrocytes of transgenic mice is fatal and accompanied by the presence of inclusion bodies indistinguishable from human Rosenthal fibers. These results suggested that a primary alteration in GFAP may be responsible for Alexander disease. Sequence analysis of DNA samples from patients representing different Alexander disease phenotypes revealed that most cases are associated with non-conservative mutations in the coding region of GFAP. Alexander disease therefore represents the first example of a primary genetic disorder of astrocytes, one of the major cell types in the vertebrate CNS.     

Mutations in the gene encoding lecithin retinol acyltransferase are associated with early-onset severe retinal dystrophy

The chromophore of the visual pigments, 11-cis retinal, is derived from vitamin A (all-trans retinol) through a series of reactions that take place in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); (ref. 1). The first of these reactions is catalyzed by lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT); (ref. 2). We screened 267 retinal dystrophy patients for mutations in LRAT and identified disease-associated mutations (S175R and 396delAA) in three individuals with severe, early-onset disease. We showed that the S175R mutant has no acyltransferase activity in transfected COS-7 cells. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic defects in vitamin A metabolism as causes of retinal dystrophies and extend prospects for retinoid replacement therapy in this group of diseases.     

Mutations in the V2 vasopressin receptor gene are associated with X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare disorder in which the kidney is insensitive to the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. It has been proposed that the kidney-specific V2 vasopressin receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, is defective in this disorder as both the disease and the receptor map to Xq28. We report six unique mutations in the V2 receptor gene of five unrelated NDI patients, with one patient having two mutations. The most severely affected patient has a nonsense mutation which would terminate the protein in transmembrane domain III. Other mutations include three missense mutations, a frameshift and one small in-frame deletion. These results represent one of the first examples of recessive mutations affecting a G protein-coupled receptor.     

Mutations in RAI1 associated with Smith-Magenis syndrome

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a mental retardation syndrome associated with deletions involving chromosome 17p11.2. Persons with SMS have characteristic behavioral abnormalities, including self-injurious behaviors and sleep disturbance, and distinct craniofacial and skeletal anomalies. We identified dominant frameshift mutations leading to protein truncation in RAI1 in three individuals who have phenotypic features consistent with SMS but do not have 17p11.2 deletions detectable by standard fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques.     

Mutations in the gene encoding the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are associated with autism spectrum disorders

SHANK3 (also known as ProSAP2) regulates the structural organization of dendritic spines and is a binding partner of neuroligins; genes encoding neuroligins are mutated in autism and Asperger syndrome. Here, we report that a mutation of a single copy of SHANK3 on chromosome 22q13 can result in language and/or social communication disorders. These mutations concern only a small number of individuals, but they shed light on one gene dosage-sensitive synaptic pathway that is involved in autism spectrum disorders.     

Mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor 10 are associated with aplasia of lacrimal and salivary glands

Autosomal dominant aplasia of lacrimal and salivary glands (ALSG; OMIM 180920 and OMIM 103420) is a rare condition characterized by irritable eyes and dryness of the mouth. We mapped ALSG to 5p13.2-5q13.1, which coincides with the gene fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10). In two extended pedigrees, we identified heterozygous mutations in FGF10 in all individuals with ALSG. Fgf10(+/-) mice have a phenotype similar to ALSG, providing a model for this disorder. We suggest that haploinsufficiency for FGF10 during a crucial stage of development results in ALSG.     

Mutations in the gene encoding the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 are associated with chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a continuing or relapsing inflammatory disease of the pancreas. In approximately one-third of all cases, no aetiological factor can be found, and these patients are classified as having idiopathic disease. Pathophysiologically, autodigestion and inflammation may be caused by either increased proteolytic activity or decreased protease inhibition. Several studies have demonstrated mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene (PRSS1) in patients with hereditary or idiopathic CP. It is thought that these mutations result in increased trypsin activity within the pancreatic parenchyma. Most patients with idiopathic or hereditary CP, however, do not have mutations in PRSS1 (ref. 4). Here we analysed 96 unrelated children and adolescents with CP for mutations in the gene encoding the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1), a pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. We found mutations in 23% of the patients. In 18 patients, 6 of whom were homozygous, we detected a missense mutation of codon 34 (N34S). We also found four other sequence variants. Our results indicate that mutations in SPINK1 are associated with chronic pancreatitis.     

Mutations in the gene encoding the PML nuclear body protein Sp110 are associated with immunodeficiency and hepatic veno-occlusive disease

We describe mutations in the PML nuclear body protein Sp110 in the syndrome veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder of severe hypogammaglobulinemia, combined T and B cell immunodeficiency, absent lymph node germinal centers, absent tissue plasma cells and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. This is the first report of the involvement of a nuclear body protein in a human primary immunodeficiency and of high-penetrance genetic mutations in hepatic veno-occlusive disease.     

Mutations in the gene encoding the 3'-5' DNA exonuclease TREX1 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

TREX1 acts in concert with the SET complex in granzyme A-mediated apoptosis, and mutations in TREX1 cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and familial chilblain lupus. Here, we report monoallelic frameshift or missense mutations and one 3' UTR variant of TREX1 present in 9/417 individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus but absent in 1,712 controls (P = 4.1 x 10(-7)). We demonstrate that two mutant TREX1 alleles alter subcellular targeting. Our findings implicate TREX1 in the pathogenesis of SLE.