Contribution of GJB2 mutations to hearing loss in the Hazara Division of Pakistan

Biochem Genet. 2013 Aug;51(7-8):524-9. doi: 10.1007/s10528-013-9583-z. Epub 2013 Mar 17.

Abstract

Mutations of GJB2, which encodes connexin 26, are the most common cause of hereditary hearing loss in many human populations. This study was initiated to determine the prevalence of GJB2 mutations in individuals with hearing loss from the Hazara Division in Pakistan. We recruited 70 participants with nonsyndromic deafness segregating as an apparently recessive trait and directly sequenced the GJB2 coding region from their DNA. The homozygous mutations c.71 G → A (p.W24X), c.104 T → G (p.I35S), and c.35delG (p.G12VfsX1) were identified as the cause of hearing loss in three participants (4.28%); in populations from other areas of Pakistan, frequencies of 6-7% have been observed. The mutations c.104 T → G and c.35delG were identified in Pakistan for the first time. These results confirm the low prevalence of GJB2 mutations in Hazara and suggest that mutations in other genes may play a significant role in the etiology of deafness in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Connexin 26
  • Connexins / genetics*
  • Connexins / physiology*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Gene Deletion
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / genetics*
  • Heterozygote
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Pakistan
  • Pedigree
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Connexins
  • GJB2 protein, human
  • Connexin 26

Supplementary concepts

  • Nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss