A homozygous mutation in LTBP2 causes isolated microspherophakia

Hum Genet. 2010 Oct;128(4):365-71. doi: 10.1007/s00439-010-0858-8. Epub 2010 Jul 9.

Abstract

Microspherophakia is an autosomal-recessive congenital disorder characterized by small spherical lens. It may be isolated or occur as part of a hereditary systemic disorder, such as Marfan syndrome, autosomal dominant and recessive forms of Weill-Marchesani syndrome, autosomal dominant glaucoma-lens ectopia-microspherophakia-stiffness-shortness syndrome, autosomal dominant microspherophakia with hernia, and microspherophakia-metaphyseal dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to map and identify the gene for isolated microspherophakia in two consanguineous Indian families. Using a whole-genome linkage scan in one family, we identified a likely locus for microspherophakia (MSP1) on chromosome 14q24.1-q32.12 between markers D14S588 and D14S1050 in a physical distance of 22.76 Mb. The maximum multi-point lod score was 2.91 between markers D14S1020 and D14S606. The MSP1 candidate region harbors 110 reference genes. DNA sequence analysis of one of the genes, LTBP2, detected a homozygous duplication (insertion) mutation, c.5446dupC, in the last exon (exon 36) in affected family members. This homozygous mutation is predicted to elongate the LTBP2 protein by replacing the last 6 amino acids with 27 novel amino acids. Microspherophakia in the second family did not map to this locus, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. The present study suggests a role for LTBP2 in the structural stability of ciliary zonules, and growth and development of lens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 / genetics
  • Consanguinity
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Exons / genetics
  • Eye Abnormalities / genetics*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Genetic Loci / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • India
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Lens, Crystalline / abnormalities*
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Pedigree

Substances

  • LTBP2 protein, human
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins