Probable exclusion of GLC1A as a candidate glaucoma gene in a family with middle-age-onset primary open-angle glaucoma

Ophthalmology. 1996 Jul;103(7):1035-40. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(96)30570-8.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether an adult-onset variety of primary open-angle glaucoma in family UM:POAG1 is linked to the previously mapped GLC1A juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma locus on chromosome 1q or whether linkage can be excluded.

Methods: Microsatellite repeat markers from the 9 cM D1S196 to D1S218 interval containing the GLC1A gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction from DNA samples collected from 11 members of one sibship in family UM:POAG1. Haplotype analysis was carried out, including calculation of the probability that the observed data would have been obtained if the underlying cause of primary open-angle glaucoma in this family were a defect in a gene located in the tested interval. Linkage analysis was carried out under an autosomal dominant model for GLC1A glaucoma.

Results: In family UM:POAG1, primary open-angle glaucoma was diagnosed in six surviving and one deceased member of a sibship of 13 individuals during the fifth or sixth decade of life. Glaucoma in this family has a later average age at diagnosis and significantly less elevation in intraocular pressure than GLC1A glaucoma so far described. Haplotype analysis, using a population prevalence up to 0.9%, shows that it is unlikely that the reported data would have been observed if primary open-angle glaucoma in this pedigree were due to the GLC1A locus on chromosome 1q21-q31. Linkage analysis under the juvenile glaucoma autosomal dominant model allowed exclusion of linkage across the entire GLC1A genetic inclusion interval, with a maximum lod score in the interval of -3.28.

Conclusion: The most likely interpretation of these observations is that a defect in the GLC1A glaucoma gene is not responsible for adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma in family UM:POAG1. This suggests the existence of at least two primary open-angle glaucoma genes, the previously reported GLC1A gene on chromosome 1q and another gene located elsewhere in the genome. Diagnosis of UM:POAG1 glaucoma between 42 and 57 years of age also raises questions regarding the relation of the glaucoma present in this family to the common later-age-onset form of the disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 / genetics*
  • DNA, Satellite / analysis
  • Family
  • Female
  • Genes
  • Genetic Linkage / genetics
  • Genetic Markers
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / genetics*
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pedigree
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA, Satellite
  • Genetic Markers