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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model
Published on: August 8, 2022
A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Kathryn M Meurs1, Michelle M Norgard, Martina M Ederer
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. Meurs@vetmed.wsu.edu
Insights
Two distinct MYBPC3 gene mutations cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in unrelated cat breeds. This research identifies a new mutation in Ragdoll cats, highlighting independent genetic events in feline HCM.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited heart disease.
- Mutations in sarcomeric genes, such as MYBPC3, are known causes of HCM.
- Feline HCM serves as a relevant large-animal model for studying human disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the genetic cause of HCM in Ragdoll cats.
- To investigate the specific MYBPC3 gene mutation in this breed.
- To compare this mutation with previously identified feline MYBPC3 mutations.
Main Methods:
- Genetic sequencing of the MYBPC3 gene in affected Ragdoll cats.
- Analysis of mutation effects on protein structure and function.
- Comparison of mutation location and breed lineage with previously identified feline HCM mutations.
Main Results:
- A novel mutation in the MYBPC3 gene was identified in Ragdoll cats with HCM.
- This mutation involves a change from arginine to tryptophan, altering protein structure.
- The mutation is distinct from the one found in Maine Coon cats, indicating independent origins.
Conclusions:
- Two separate, de novo MYBPC3 mutations cause HCM in unrelated feline breeds.
- This underscores the genetic heterogeneity of feline HCM.
- The MYBPC3 gene is a significant locus for inherited cardiomyopathies in both humans and cats.
Abstract:
Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease with a prevalence of 1 in 500 in human beings. Causative mutations have been identified in several sarcomeric genes, including the cardiac myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene. Heritable HCM also exists in a large-animal model, the cat, and we have previously reported a mutation in the MYBPC3 gene in the Maine coon breed. We now report a separate mutation in the MYBPC3 gene in ragdoll cats with HCM. The mutation changes a conserved arginine to tryptophan and appears to alter the protein structure. The ragdoll is not related to the Maine coon and the mutation identified is in a domain different from that of the previously identified feline mutation. The identification of two separate mutations within this gene in unrelated breeds suggests that these mutations occurred independently rather than being passed on from a common founder.
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Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life

