[The characteristics of gene mutations in Chinese patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease]
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Published on: June 16, 2023
Fu-feng Zhang1, Bei-sha Tang, Guo-hua Zhao
1Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Objective:
To study the characteristics of gene mutations in Chinese patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
Methods:
Real-time quantitative PCR, PCR-SSCP, and/or direct sequencing were used to analyze the mutation of the pathogenic genes PMP22, MPZ, CX32, EGR2, GDAP1, NEFL, HSP22 and HSP27 in 113 probands of CMT families, 45 of which had family history, from different provinces in China. The whole family members of the subjects with abnormal electrophoretic bands and 50 normal controls underwent the same examination.
Results:
Thirty-six cases of PMP22 duplication, 7 cases of CX32 mutation, 1 case of HSP22 mutation, 1 case of HSP27 mutation, 1 case of MPZ mutation, and 1 case of GDAP1 mutation were found in the 113 CMT probands. No point mutation was found in PMP22, EGR2 and NEFL genes.
Conclusion:
Among the Chinese CMT patients 31.9% are caused by PMP22 duplication, 6.2% by CX32, and 0.9% by HSP22, HSP27, MPZ and GDAP1. Point mutations of PMP22, EGR2 and NEFL are rare.
Insights
PMP22 duplication is the most common cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) in Chinese patients, accounting for 31.9%. Other gene mutations are less frequent, with point mutations in PMP22, EGR2, and NEFL being rare.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited peripheral neuropathies.
- Genetic mutations are a primary cause of CMT, affecting myelin sheath and nerve function.
- Understanding genetic heterogeneity is crucial for diagnosis and potential therapies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the spectrum and frequency of gene mutations in Chinese individuals diagnosed with CMT.
- To identify the specific genes and mutation types responsible for CMT in this population.
Summary:
- A comprehensive genetic analysis was performed on 113 Chinese CMT probands using PCR-SSCP and sequencing.
- PMP22 duplication was identified as the most prevalent mutation (31.9%), followed by CX32 mutations (6.2%).
- Mutations in HSP22, HSP27, MPZ, and GDAP1 were found at lower frequencies (0.9% each), while PMP22, EGR2, and NEFL point mutations were rare.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the genetic landscape of CMT in China, highlighting PMP22 duplication as a major contributor.
- Findings provide valuable data for genetic counseling and diagnostic strategies for CMT patients in China.
- Identifies rare mutations and the infrequency of certain point mutations, guiding future research directions.
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