A family of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A: genetic analysis and clinical features

H Morita1, H Daidoh, K Nagata

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.

Endocrine Journal
|February 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Genetic analysis identified a new RET proto-oncogene mutation causing multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A). This discovery aids in screening MEN 2A families and understanding disease prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Human Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is a hereditary disorder linked to germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene.
  • Over 20 distinct RET mutations have been identified in MEN 2A kindreds since its discovery in 1993.

Observation:

  • A novel heterozygous missense mutation, cysteine to serine substitution at codon 618 in exon 10 of the RET proto-oncogene, was identified in an MEN 2A family.
  • This specific mutation created a new Alu I restriction enzyme cleavage site, enabling efficient family screening via PCR product digestion.

Findings:

  • Eleven out of 20 family members across four generations carried the identified RET proto-oncogene mutation.
  • All adult gene carriers, except one woman, developed medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
  • Pheochromocytoma was observed only in the proband, and hyperparathyroidism was not evident. The family exhibited a favorable prognosis, with no deaths directly attributed to MEN 2A.

Implications:

  • Genetic analysis of the RET proto-oncogene is crucial for effective screening and diagnosis of MEN 2A within affected families.
  • Accumulating data on MEN 2A cases and correlating specific mutations with clinical phenotype and prognosis is essential for personalized patient management.

Related Concept Videos

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum01:21

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum or smooth ER is a sub-organelle with specialized functions in animal cells and plant cells. It is often associated with the tubule morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum.
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...