A novel mutation in the GJA1 gene in a family with oculodentodigital dysplasia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a Brazilian family with oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) and to screen for mutations in the gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) gene in this family.


METHODS
Twelve members of a 3-generation family with ODDD underwent screening for mutations of the GJA1 gene and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. We defined ODDD on the basis of clinical characteristics described in this syndrome (microdontia, caries, enamel hypoplasia, thin nose, and syndactyly) and eye abnormalities such as microphthalmos, iris atrophy, and glaucoma. Direct sequencing of the GJA1 gene was performed using DNA collected from peripheral blood. A control group of 60 healthy individuals underwent evaluation by means of enzyme digestion.


RESULTS
Among the 8 members of this family who were characterized as having ODDD, 2 showed chronic angle-closure glaucoma, and 1 had open-angle glaucoma. A new mutation in the GJA1 gene was identified, consisting of a change from proline to histidine at codon 59. This mutation segregated through members with the ODDD phenotype. Analysis of the control group by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism (MvaI enzyme) did not disclose this mutation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate a new mutation (P59H) in the GJ1A gene, identified in a family with ODDD syndrome. Clinical Relevance The presence of different forms of glaucoma in families with ODDD may indicate a new mutation in the GJA1 gene.
Vasconcellos
José P C
JP
Department of OphthalmologyState University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. cabraljp@uol.com.br
Melo
Mônica B
MB
Schimiti
Rui B
RB
Bressanim
Norisvaldo C
NC
Costa
Fernando F
FF
Costa
Vital P
VP
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000235:genetics*; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005124:Eye Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018126:Odontodysplasia / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D010375:Pedigree; D017354:Point Mutation; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D013577:Syndrome
D018031:Connexin 43; C500216:GJA1 protein, human