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Rapid identification of an A1555G mutation in human mitochondrial DNA implicated in aminoglycoside-induced

B J Scrimshaw1, J M Faed, W P Tate

  • 1Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Journal of Human Genetics
|November 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A specific mitochondrial DNA mutation (1555 A to G) linked to hearing loss was detected in one of 206 individuals screened. This finding highlights the prevalence of the mutation associated with aminoglycoside-induced or idiopathic sensorineural deafness.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • A mutation in the human mitochondrial 12s RNA gene at nucleotide 1555 (1555 A to G) is associated with irreversible hearing loss.
  • This mutation confers susceptibility to aminoglycoside antibiotics and can cause profound sensorineural deafness even without antibiotic exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a multiplex allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) method for detecting the mitochondrial 1555 A to G mutation.
  • To determine the prevalence of this mutation in an unrelated population from Otago, New Zealand.

Main Methods:

  • Development and application of a multiplex allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay.
  • Screening of 206 unrelated individuals from Otago, New Zealand, for the mitochondrial 1555 A to G mutation.

Main Results:

  • The multiplex AS-PCR approach successfully detected the target mutation.
  • One individual (0.48%) out of 206 screened possessed the mitochondrial 1555 A to G mutation.
  • The 95% confidence interval for the mutation prevalence was 0.01-2.75%.

Conclusions:

  • The study successfully developed and applied an AS-PCR method for identifying the 1555 A to G mitochondrial DNA mutation.
  • The prevalence of this mutation in the studied New Zealand population was found to be 0.48%.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the genetic basis of hearing loss and antibiotic susceptibility.

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