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Published on: April 4, 2018
Hereditary protein C deficiency with recurrent thrombosis: identification of a missense mutation (C6218T)
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Hereditary protein C deficiency (PCD) increases thrombosis risk. This study identifies a novel genetic defect causing PCD in a Korean family, highlighting a potential mutation hotspot for the protein C gene.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Protein C is a key regulator of the anti-thrombotic pathway.
- Hereditary protein C deficiency (PCD) is linked to a higher risk of thromboembolism.
- Previous studies identified PCD-causing mutations in Western and Japanese populations.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female presented with recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism.
- This patient exhibited reduced protein C activity (35%) and antigen levels (58%).
- A missense mutation (C6218T) in the protein C gene was identified in the patient.
Findings:
- The same C6218T missense mutation and PCD were found in asymptomatic family members, including the mother, two daughters, and one son.
- This represents the first documented case of hereditary PCD with an identified genetic defect in the Korean population.
- The findings suggest the protein C gene may be a hotspot for mutations in this demographic.
Implications:
- This discovery expands the known genetic landscape of hereditary protein C deficiency.
- It underscores the importance of genetic screening for PCD in at-risk populations.
- Identifying mutation hotspots can aid in understanding disease prevalence and developing targeted diagnostic strategies.
Abstract:
Protein C is the central component of a major anti-thrombotic regulatory system and individuals with hereditary protein C deficiency (PCD) tend to have an increased risk of thromboembolism. During the last several years, mutations causing PCD have been identified in Western countries and in Japanese. In the present study, we report a case of hereditary PCD with a missense mutation (C6218T) in a 44 year old female with recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism. The protein C activity (35%) and antigen (58%) levels in this patient were decreased. Furthermore, we have identified the same molecular defect and PCD in other asymptomatic family members including proband's mother and two daughters and one son. To our knowledge, this is the first case of hereditary PCD with identified genetic defect in the Korean population, which may be one of hot spots for mutation in the protein C gene.
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