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Published on: October 21, 2014
Chronic granulomatous disease, the McLeod phenotype and the contiguous gene deletion syndrome-a review
Casey E Watkins1, John Litchfield, Eunkyung Song
1Division of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA. krishnas@mail.etsu.edu.
Abstract:
Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a disorder of the NADPH oxidase system, results in phagocyte functional defects and subsequent infections with bacterial and fungal pathogens (such as Aspergillus species and Candida albicans). Deletions and missense, frameshift, or nonsense mutations in the gp91phox gene (also termed CYBB), located in the Xp21.1 region of the X chromosome, are associated with the most common form of CGD. When larger X-chromosomal deletions occur, including the XK gene deletion, a so-called "Contiguous Gene Deletion Syndrome" may result. The contiguous gene deletion syndrome is known to associate the Kell phenotype/McLeod syndrome with diseases such as X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. These patients are often complicated and management requires special attention to the various facets of the syndrome.
Insights
Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is an immune disorder affecting phagocytes. Certain gene deletions on the X chromosome can cause contiguous gene deletion syndrome, linking CGD with other serious genetic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by impaired phagocyte function due to defects in the NADPH oxidase system.
- This leads to recurrent, severe infections by specific bacterial and fungal pathogens.
- The most common form of CGD is caused by mutations in the gp91phox gene (CYBB) on the X chromosome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the genetic basis of CGD and related disorders.
- To highlight the implications of larger X-chromosomal deletions.
- To emphasize the complexity of contiguous gene deletion syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic mutations and associated phenotypes.
- Analysis of gene mapping for X-chromosomal deletions.
- Clinical case review of patients with contiguous gene deletion syndromes.
Main Results:
- Mutations in the gp91phox (CYBB) gene are the primary cause of X-linked CGD.
- Large deletions on the X chromosome can encompass multiple genes, including XK.
- This can lead to a contiguous gene deletion syndrome associating CGD with McLeod syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Conclusions:
- X-linked CGD pathogenesis is linked to specific gene mutations and larger deletions.
- Contiguous gene deletion syndromes present complex clinical pictures requiring comprehensive management.
- Understanding these genetic syndromes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient care.
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