Rare Autosomal Recessive Disorder (rare + autosomal_recessive_disorder)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Type 3 hemochromatosis and , -thalassemia trait

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
Alessia Riva
Abstract: Type 3 hemochromatosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations of the TFR2 gene. We describe clinical, biochemical and histopathologic findings of a patient with type 3 hemochromatosis at presentation and during a follow-up of more than 20 yr and we evaluate the effect of an associated , -thalassemia trait on phenotypic expression. At the age of 33 yr the patient showed a marked iron overload and severe iron-related complications. After removal of 26 g of iron by subcutaneous deferoxamine infusion a marked clinical improvement was observed. Liver biopsies, performed at the age of 34 and 49 yr, indicate that in type 3 hemochromatosis there is a progressive hepatocellular iron accumulation from Rappaport's zone 1,3 and that iron loading in sinusoidal and portal macrophages occurs only in the more advanced stage. As observed in HFE hemochromatosis, the , -thalassemia trait seems to aggravate the clinical picture of patients lacking TFR2, favoring higher rates of iron accumulation probably by activation of the erythroid iron regulator. [source]


ORIGINAL ARTICLE Laboratory science: Molecular analysis in two Tunisian families with combined factor V and factor VIII deficiency

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2010
H. E. ABDALLAH
Summary., Combined factor V (FV) and factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency (F5F8D) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in LMAN1 or MCFD2 genes which encode proteins that form a complex involved in the transport of FV and FVIII from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus. We report two novel mutations in MCFD2 gene and one recurrent mutation in LMAN1 gene that caused combined FV and FVIII deficiency in two unrelated Tunisian Muslim families. For the first family two patients were homozygous for a new missense mutation Asp81His in exon 3 of MCFD2 and heterozygous for a second new missense mutation Val100Asp in the same exon. Replacement respectively of the hydrophilic Asp residue with hydrophobic positively charged His and of the hydrophobic neutral Val residue with the Asp residue most likely disrupts the MCFD2,LMAN1 interaction, thus leading to the disease phenotype. For the second family a reported Arg202X mutation in exon 5 in the LMAN1 gene was identified in the homozygous state. [source]


Mutation spectrum of human SLC39A4 in a panel of patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica,,

HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 4 2003
Sébastien Küry
Abstract Acrodermatitis enteropathica is rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a severe nutritional zinc deficiency. We and others have recently identified the human gene encoding an intestinal zinc transporter of the ZIP family, SLC39A4, as the mutated gene in acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE). A first mutation screening in 8 AE families (15 patients out of 36 individuals) revealed the presence of six different mutations described elsewhere. Based on these results, we have evaluated the involvement of SLC39A4 in 14 patients of 12 additional AE pedigees coming either from France, Tunisia, Austria or Lithuania. A total of 7 SLC39A4 mutations were identified (1 deletion, 2 nonsense, 2 missense, and 2 modifications of splice site), of which 4 are novel: a homozygous nonsense mutation in 3 consanguineous Tunisian families [c.143T>G (p.Leu48X)], a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1203G>A (p.Trp401X)) in a compound heterozygote from Austria also exhibiting an already known missense mutation, and distinct homozygous mutations in families from France or Tunisia [c.475-2A>G and c.184T>C (p.Cys62Arg)]. Furthermore, two other potential mutations [c.850G>A (p.Glu284Lys) and c.193-113T>C] were also observed at homozygous state in a French family formerly described. This study brings to 21 the number of reported SLC39A4 mutations in AE families. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Molecular characterisation of GSD III subjects and identification of six novel mutations in AGL,,

HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 6 2002
S. Lucchiari
Abstract Deficiency of amylo-1,6-glucosidase, 4-,-glucanotransferase enzyme (AGL or glycogen debranching enzyme) is causative of Glycogen Storage Disease type III, a rare autosomal recessive disorder of glycogen metabolism. The disease has been demonstrated to show clinical and biochemical heterogeneity, reflecting the genotype-phenotype heterogeneity among different subjects. The aim of this study was the molecular characterisation of eight unrelated patients from an ethnically heterogeneous population (six Italians, one from India and another one from Tunisia). We describe six novel mutations responsible for the disease (C234R, R675W, 2547delG, T38A, W1327X, IVS6 +3 A>G) and the presence in two Italian subjects of a splice variant (IVS21+1 G>A) already described elsewhere. This last one is confirmed to be the most frequent mutation among the Italian patients come to our observation, accounting for 28% of 21 patients. One subject was found to be a compound heterozygous. Our data confirm the substantial genetic heterogeneity of this disease. Consequently, the strategy of mutation finding based on screening of recurrent common mutations is limited, as far as regards Italian GSD III patients, to check for the presence of IVS21+1 G>A. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Mutations in the human ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8 in sitosterolemia

HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 2 2002
Susanne Heimer
Abstract Phytosterolemia or Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by highly elevated plasma levels of plant sterols and cholesterol as a consequence of hyperabsorption and impaired biliary secretion of sterols. The disease is caused by mutations in two half size ATP-binding cassette transporters, ABCG5 and ABCG8. We have analyzed the genomic sequence of ABCG5 and ABCG8 in five well-characterized patients with Sitosterolemia. In the first patient we found a heterozygous mutation in exon 8 of the ABCG5 gene leading to a premature termination of the protein (Arg408Ter). This German patient is the first European showing a mutation of the ABCG5 gene. In a second patient we found a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 5 of ABCG8 (c.584T>A; Leu195Gln). Both patients were heterozygous for the identified mutation, but no mutation could be identified on the other chromosome. In three further analyzed patients we found mutations in exons 7, 9 and 11 of the ABCG8 gene, respectively, of which two result in a premature termination signal for translation products. One of these patients was compound heterozygous (Trp361Ter and Arg412Ter), the other was homozygous for Trp361Ter. The third patient was homozygous for an amino acid exchange (Gly574Arg). In conclusion this report describes one novel mutation affecting a highly conserved amino acid and two previously identified mutations in the ABCG8 gene. In addition, we identified for the first time a mutation in the ABCG5 gene of a European Sitosterolemia patient. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Juvenile Paget's Disease: The Second Reported, Oldest Patient Is Homozygous for the TNFRSF11B "Balkan" Mutation (966_969delTGACinsCTT), Which Elevates Circulating Immunoreactive Osteoprotegerin Levels,,§¶

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007
Michael P Whyte MD
Abstract The oldest person (60 yr) with juvenile Paget's disease is homozygous for the TNFRSF11B mutation 966_969delTGACinsCTT. Elevated circulating levels of immunoreactive OPG and soluble RANKL accompany this genetic defect that truncates the OPG monomer, preventing formation of OPG homodimers. Introduction: Juvenile Paget's disease (JPD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, features skeletal pain, fracture, and deformity from extremely rapid bone turnover. Deafness and sometimes retinopathy also occur. Most patients have diminished osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibition of osteoclastogenesis caused by homozygous loss-of-function defects in TNFRSF11B, the gene that encodes OPG. Circulating immunoreactive OPG (iOPG) is undetectable with complete deletion of TNFRSF11B but normal with a 3-bp in-frame deletion. Materials and Methods: We summarize the clinical course of a 60-yr-old Greek man who is the second reported, oldest JPD patient, including his response to two decades of bisphosphonate therapy. Mutation analysis involved sequencing all exons and adjacent mRNA splice sites of TNFRSF11B. Over the past 4 yr, we used ELISAs to quantitate his serum iOPG and soluble RANKL (sRANKL) levels. Results: Our patient suffered progressive deafness and became legally blind, although elevated markers of bone turnover have been normal for 6 yr. He carries the same homozygous mutation in TNFRSF11B (966_969delTGACinsCTT) reported in a seemingly unrelated Greek boy and Croatian man who also have relatively mild JPD. This frame-shift deletes 79 carboxyterminal amino acids from the OPG monomer, including a cysteine residue necessary for homodimerization. Nevertheless, serum iOPG and sRANKL levels are persistently elevated. Conclusions: Homozygosity for the TNFRSF11B "Balkan" mutation (966_969delTGACinsCTT) causes JPD in the second reported, oldest patient. Elevated circulating iOPG and sRANKL levels complement evidence that this deletion/insertion omits a cysteine residue at the carboxyterminus needed for OPG homodimerization. [source]


Wilson's disease presenting with rapidly progressive visual loss: Another neurologic manifestation of Wilson's disease?

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001
Paul J Gow
Abstract Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism resulting in copper-induced tissue damage that primarily involves the liver and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations of WD almost universally involve a derangement of basal ganglia function or psychiatric disturbance. We report the case of a 46-year-old man presenting with end-stage liver disease caused by WD who had associated rapidly progressive optic neuropathy. We also discuss the possible association between the two conditions. [source]


Intellectual and adaptive behaviour functioning in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration

JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007
K. Freeman
Abstract Background Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting in iron accumulation in the brain, has a diverse phenotypic expression. Based on limited case studies of one or two patients, intellectual impairment is considered part of PKAN. Investigations of cognitive functioning have utilized specific neuropsychological tests, without attention to general intellectual skills or adaptive behaviour. Methods Sixteen individuals with PKAN completed measures of global intellectual functioning, and participants or care providers completed measures of adaptive behaviour skills and day-to-day functional limitations. Clinicians provided global ratings of condition severity. Results Testing with standardized measures documented varied phenotypic expression, with general cognitive skills and adaptive behaviour ranging from high average to well below average. Age of disease onset correlated with measures of intellectual functioning, adaptive functioning and disease severity. Conclusions Findings support previously described clinical impressions of varied cognitive impairment and the association between age of onset and impairment. Further, they add important information regarding the natural history of the disease and suggest assessment strategies for use in treatment trials. [source]


Long-term benefit to pallidal deep brain stimulation in a case of dystonia secondary to pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 12 2006
Martin Krause MD
Abstract Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with onset in childhood and rapid progression. There is no causative and insufficient symptomatic drug therapy. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal pallidum (GPi) has been reported to improve motor function. Most case reports, however, are limited to short observational periods. The impact of DBS on the progression and life expectancy in PKAN is unknown. We present a 5-year outcome and video documentation of bilateral GPi-DBS of an adolescent patient suffering from genetically defined PKAN. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Extrapyramidal symptoms in Wilson's disease are associated with olfactory dysfunction

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2006
Antje Mueller MD
Abstract Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of copper, mainly in the liver and the brain. As copper accumulation in the brain leads to disturbances in basal ganglia function, neurological-type patients typically present with hypo- and hyperkinetic extrapyramidal symptoms, with Parkinsonism being very common. Although there are numerous reports on olfactory deficits in primary neurodegenerative disorders, olfactory function has not been investigated in metabolic disorders presenting with extrapyramidal features. Twenty-four patients with Wilson's disease participated in the investigation. All patients were treated pharmacologically. They comprised patients with liver disease alone (including mild enzyme elevation in asymptomatic individuals; n = 11) and/or neurological symptoms (n = 13) at the time of testing. Twenty-one patients underwent both [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The severity of extrapyramidal symptoms was judged using a clinical score system ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms). In all patients, psychophysical testing was performed using the "Sniffin' Sticks," which involved tests for odor threshold, discrimination, and identification. Results from the present study revealed that Wilson's disease patients with neurological symptoms show a significant olfactory dysfunction compared to hepatic-type patients. Individuals who are more severely neurologically affected also present with a more pronounced olfactory deficit. Of interest, there was no significant effect of long-term treatment with penicillamine on olfactory function. Olfactory function did not correlate significantly with the presence of MRI visible lesions in the basal ganglia or with any regional glucose metabolism as measured by [18]F-FDG-PET. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the underlying pathological alterations with degeneration in the basal ganglia and neuronal loss in association with a marked increase of the copper content in this brain region play a role in the olfactory deficit. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Rare case of Alstrom syndrome without obesity and with short stature, diagnosed in adulthood (Case Report)

NEPHROLOGY, Issue 2 2006
EYUP KOÇ
SUMMARY: Alstrom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by retinal degeneration, sensorineural hearing loss, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic nephropathy. It may be associated with acanthosis nigricans, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, hepatic dysfunction, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidaemia, dilated cardiomyopathy and short stature. We report a patient with Alstrom syndrome who had hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, hepatic dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and short stature with normal body weight, all of which are seen infrequently with this syndrome. [source]


Evaluation and management of pulmonary disease in ataxia-telangiectasia

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 9 2010
Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow MD
Abstract Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATM gene, resulting in faulty repair of breakages in double-stranded DNA. The clinical phenotype is complex and is characterized by neurologic abnormalities, immunodeficiencies, susceptibility to malignancies, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and cutaneous abnormalities. Lung disease is common in patients with A-T and often progresses with age and neurological decline. Diseases of the respiratory system cause significant morbidity and are a frequent cause of death in the A-T population. Lung disease in this population is thought to exhibit features of one or more of the following phenotypes: recurrent sinopulmonary infections with bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, and lung disease associated with neurological abnormalities. Here, we review available evidence and present expert opinion on the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of lung disease in A-T, as discussed in a recent multidisciplinary workshop. Although more data are emerging on this unique population, many recommendations are made based on similarities to other more well-studied diseases. Gaps in current knowledge and areas for future research in the field of pulmonary disease in A-T are also outlined. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:847,859. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Five Fanconi anemia patients with unusual organ pathologies

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
Selma Unal
Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that presents with variable organ abnormalities, progressive cytopenia, and susceptibility to the development of several malignancies. Although some of the organ pathologies such as microcephaly, microphthalmia, skin dyspigmentation, urogenital system involvement, and radial ray skeletal abnormalities are relatively common, there are some other abnormalities that are rarely associated with the disease [Alter BP. In: Nathan DG, Oski FA, editors. Hematology of infancy and childhood. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2003. p 259,273]. In this paper, five cases of unrelated FA patients with unusual organ pathologies, including chronic obstructive lung disease, lipodystrophy, Sprengel's deformity, diaphragmatic hernia, and inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) are presented. Recognition of unusual pathologies associated with FA is important in order to improve our understanding of the relationship between the disease and presenting organ pathologies. Am. J. Hematol. 77:50,54, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Where genetics and pathology meet: mulibrey nanism,

THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Frederik J Hes
Abstract Mulibrey nanism is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with prenatal onset growth retardation (nanism) and dysmorphic features, including a wide range of abnormalities, such as cardiac disease (pericardial constriction, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis) and anomalies of muscle, liver, brain and eye, resulting in the acronym ,mulibrey'. This commentary summarizes recent analysis of the diverse pathologies seen in this syndrome and highlights the need for pathologists and geneticists to work together. Insights into the pathology of rare genetic syndromes may have important lessons for our understanding of much commoner conditions. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Revisiting MSUD in Portuguese Gypsies: Evidence for a Founder Mutation and for a Mutational Hotspot within the BCKDHA Gene

ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 3 2009
Sofia Quental
Summary Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism. In the context of the wide mutational spectrum known for this disease, a few common mutations have been described in populations where founder effects played a major role in modeling diversities. In Portugal, for instance, a high proportion of patients are of Gypsy origin and all share the same mutation (c.117delC-,; p.R40GfsX23), causing the neonatal severe form of MSUD. In this study, we used four microsatellite markers closely flanking the BCKDHA gene (E1, protein) to demonstrate that c.117delC-, is a founder mutation responsible for the high incidence of the disorder among Portuguese Gypsies. These results are of medical relevance since carrier tests and prenatal diagnosis can be offered to families at risk, particularly because the carrier frequency of c.117delC-, was estimated at 1.4% among the healthy Portuguese Gypsies from the South of the country. Finally we present evidence that the genomic region of the BCKDHA gene where c.117delC-, is located is likely a mutational hotspot, since recurrence of c.117delC-, was observed in two distinct population groups. [source]


Mapping of a Gene for Alopecia with Mental Retardation Syndrome (APMR3) on Chromosome 18q11.2-q12.2

ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 5 2007
A. Wali
Summary Alopecia with mental retardation syndrome (APMR) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by total or partial absence of hair from the scalp and other parts of the body and associated with mental retardation. Previously, we have reported the mapping of two alopecia and mental retardation genes (APMR1 and APMR2) on human chromosome 3. In the present study, after excluding both of these loci through linkage analysis, a whole genome scan was performed by genotyping 396 polymorphic microsatellite markers located on 22 autosomes and the X and Y chromosomes. A disease locus was mapped to a 10.9 cM region, flanked by markers D18S866 and D18S811, on chromosome 18q11.2,q12.2. A maximum two-point LOD score of 3.03 at ,= 0.0 was obtained with marker D18S1102. Multipoint linkage analysis resulted in maximum LOD scores of 4.03 with several markers in the candidate region. According to the Rutgers combined linkage-physical map of the human genome (build 36) this region covers 12.17 Mb. DNA sequence analysis of nine candidate genes including DSC3, DSC1, DSG1, DSG4, DSG3, ZNF397, ZNF271, ZNF24 and ZNF396 did not reveal any sequence variants in the affected individuals of the family presented here. [source]


Oral 2, Silver hair in a 3-year-old child

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
R. Batchelor
A 32-month-old girl of Pakistani origin presented to the paediatricians with a short history of abdominal pain, decreased appetite and lethargy and a history of developmental delay. She was referred to us when it was noted that her hair and eyebrows were silver in colour. While in hospital, she became progressively more unwell, developed neck stiffness and refused to walk. A diagnosis of acute meningitis was made and a prelumbar puncture computed tomographic scan showed hydrocephalus with enlarged third and lateral ventricles. She underwent a third ventriculostomy and insertion of a reservoir. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple focal ill-defined enhancement with larger enhancing masses in the cerebellum. These appearances were initially thought suggestive of widely disseminated lymphoma or leukaemia. Surgical biopsy of these lesions was performed and histology showed some evidence of histiocytic tumour with a degree of erythrophagocytosis and lymphophagocytosis. In view of the histology and the phenotypic features, Griscelli syndrome was considered. Blood and hair from the patient were analysed and she was confirmed to be homozygous for a mutation in the RAB27A gene, which has been described in Griscelli syndrome. She has subsequently undergone bone marrow transplantation. Griscelli syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting in partial albinism and a combined immunodeficiency.1 Our case is unusual in that the presentation was neurological with no evidence of cytopenia. Reference 1 Mancini AJ, Chan LS, Paller AS. Partial albinism with immunodeficiency: Griscelli syndrome: report of a case and review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol 1998; 38:295,300. [source]


Molecular characterization of six unrelated Italian patients affected by pyrimidine 5,-nucleotidase deficiency

BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
Paola Bianchi
Summary. Pyrimidine 5,-nucleotidase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by haemolytic anaemia, marked basophilic stippling and accumulation of pyrimidine nucleotides within the erythrocytes. The gene encoding for this enzyme (P5,N-1) has been cloned recently, and seven mutations have so far been identified in 11 unrelated families. We describe the haematological and molecular characteristics of six unrelated Italian patients affected by pyrimidine 5,-nucleotidase deficiency (one from northern and five from southern Italy). The sequence of the complete P5,N-1 gene showed the presence of four different new mutations: a missense mutation AAT,AGT at codon 190 (Asn,Ser), one splicing mutation (IVS9-1 g-c) and two frameshift mutations, DelG576 and InsGG743. Although the molecular defect was homozygous in all patients but one, parents' consanguinity could be confirmed in only one case. InsGG743 was detected in two cases, and DelG576 was found in three patients originating from southern Italy, suggesting a possible geographical distribution of the genetic defect. Haematological data showed the presence of peripheral spherocytosis in all cases, although only one had a concomitant membrane defect. An increase in serum ferritin levels was observed in the splenectomized patients, suggesting that the iron status of these subjects should be monitored and that they should be investigated for potential additional risk factors for iron accumulation. [source]


Retrospective diagnosis of Kindler syndrome in a 37-year-old man

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
M. A. Thomson
Summary Kindler syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by acral blisters in infancy and early childhood, followed by photosensitivity, progressive poikiloderma and cutaneous atrophy. Other features include webbing of the toes and fingers, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, gingival fragility, poor dentition, and mucosal involvement in the form of urethral, anal and oesophageal stenosis. The recent finding of KIND1 mutations in Kindler syndrome facilitates early diagnosis, prophylactic measures and more precise definition of the phenotype. In the family described here, molecular diagnosis of Kindler syndrome in an infant with acral blisters led to the belated diagnosis in a severely affected relative whose condition had remained unidentified for 37 years. [source]


Allgrove syndrome with features of familial dysautonomia: A novel mutation in the AAAS gene

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2006
Essam A. Ismail
Abstract Allgrove syndrome (or triple-A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency (glucocorticoid in the majority of cases) and autonomic/neurological abnormalities. This disease is now known to be caused by mutation in the AAAS gene located on chromosome 12q13. Diagnosis should be readily available when the full-blown features are there, but it becomes less apparent when presentation is atypical or in the evolving process. We present a brother and sister (12 and 19 y old, respectively) born to consanguineous parents of Palestinian origin with Allgrove syndrome. The index patient was erroneously diagnosed to be a case of familial dysautonomia before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was made at the age of 7.5 y, while his elder sister had only alacrima from birth and developed achalasia at the age of 15 y. She started to develop early evidence of adrenal disease at the age of 19 y. Both of them had neuroautonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome was confirmed in these two patients by studying the gene mutation in the family. The sequencing of the AAAS gene in the two patients identified a novel homozygous mutation within intron 5 (IVS5+1(G),A). Both parents as well as all three other children were heterozygous for the same mutation. Conclusion: These two cases illustrate the heterogenous nature and the intrafamilial phenotypic variability of Allgrove syndrome. [source]


A novel locus for alopecia with mental retardation syndrome (APMR2) maps to chromosome 3q26.2-q26.31

CLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2006
A Wali
Congenital alopecia may occur either alone or in association with ectodermal and other abnormalities. On the bases of such associations, several different syndromes featuring congenital alopecia can be distinguished. Alopecia with mental retardation syndrome (APMR) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, clinically characterized by total or partial hair loss and mental retardation. In the present study, a five-generation Pakistani family with multiple affected individuals with APMR was ascertained. Patients in this family exhibited typical features of APMR syndrome. The disease locus was mapped to chromosome 3q26.2-q26.31 by carrying out a genome scan followed by fine mapping. A maximum two-point logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 2.93 at ,= 0.0 was obtained at markers D3S3053 and D3S2309. Multipoint linkage analysis resulted in a maximum LOD score of 4.57 with several markers, which supports the linkage. The disease locus was flanked by markers D3S1564 and D3S2427, which corresponds to 9.6-cM region according to the Rutgers combined linkage-physical map of the human genome (build 35) and contains 5.6 Mb. The linkage interval of the APMR locus identified here does not overlap with the one described previously; therefore, this locus has been designated as APMR2. [source]