Mutations in the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) in patients with Sorsby's fundus dystrophy

Nat Genet. 1994 Dec;8(4):352-6. doi: 10.1038/ng1294-352.

Abstract

The hereditary macular dystrophies are progressive degenerations of the central retina and contribute significantly to irreversible visual loss in developed countries. Among these disorders, Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD), an autosomal dominant condition, provides an excellent mendelian model for the study of the genetically complex age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common maculopathy in the elderly. Recently, we mapped the SFD locus to 22q13-qter. This same region contains the gene for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3), which is known to play a pivotal role in extracellular matrix remodeling. We have now identified point mutations in the TIMP3 gene in affected members of two SFD pedigrees. These mutations are predicted to disrupt the tertiary structure and thus the functional properties of the mature protein.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / genetics*
  • Male
  • Metalloendopeptidases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Point Mutation*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3
  • Metalloendopeptidases