A novel mutation in ferroportin1 is associated with haemochromatosis in a Solomon Islands patient.
BACKGROUND
A severe form of iron overload with the clinicopathological features of haemochromatosis inherited in an autosomal dominant manner has been described in the Solomon Islands. The genetic basis of the disorder has not been identified. The disorder has similarities to type 4 haemochromatosis, which is caused by mutations in ferroportin1.


OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to identify the genetic basis of iron overload in a patient from the Solomon Islands.


METHODS
Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes of a Solomon Islands man with severe iron overload. The entire coding region and splice sites of the ferroportin1 gene was sequenced.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel missense mutation (431A>C; N144T) was identified in exon 5 of the ferroportin1 gene. A novel restriction endonuclease based assay which identifies both the N144T and N144H mutations was developed which will simplify the diagnosis and screening of patients for iron overload in the Solomon Islands and other populations. This is the first identified mutation associated with haemochromatosis in the Solomon Islands population.
Arden
K E
KE
Membrane Transport Laboratory, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia.
Wallace
D F
DF
Dixon
J L
JL
Summerville
L
L
Searle
J W
JW
Anderson
G J
GJ
Ramm
G A
GA
Powell
L W
LW
Subramaniam
V N
VN
D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000235:genetics*; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008542:Melanesia; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D020125:Mutation, Missense / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D000098742:Ferroportin
D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; C103673:HFE protein, human; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D000098742:Ferroportin