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H J Lüdecke

Publications and source records attributed to H J Lüdecke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I: clinical and molecular characterization of 3 members of a family and 1 sporadic case.

BACKGROUND: Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder clinically characterized by sparse and slow-growing hair, pear-shaped nose, elongated philtrum, thin upper lip, and bone deformities, in particular, cone-shaped epiphyses of the phalanges. Very recently, the responsible gene TRPS1 has been cloned on human chromosome 8q24. OBSERVATION: We describe a mother and her 2 daughters and a female patient with a sporadic case of TRPS I. In the familial case, mutation analysis showed an insertional mutation at position 2480 of the TRPS1 gene leading to a premature translational stop. Careful clinical examination showed craniofacial and radiologic features typical of TRPS I, including short stature, in all 3 affected individuals. Additionally, they presented with a receded triangular medio-occipital hairline, which has not been described in TRPS I so far. In the sporadic case, we identified a single base deletion at position 2110 of the TRPS1 gene leading to frameshift and premature translational stop at codon 766. The patient presented with the typical TRPS I phenotype but was of normal stature. CONCLUSIONS: The TRPS I is characterized by variable clinical expression of the triad of hair, craniofacial, and skeletal abnormalities. New genetic approaches, including mutation analysis, now allow identification of carriers of the TRPS1 gene mutations.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Diminished levels of the putative tumor suppressor proteins EXT1 and EXT2 in exostosis chondrocytes.

The EXT family of putative tumor suppressor genes affect endochondral bone growth, and mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 genes cause the autosomal dominant disorder Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of these genes plays a role in the development of exostoses and chondrosarcomas. In this study, we characterized EXT genes in 11 exostosis chondrocyte strains using LOH and mutational analyses. We also determined subcellular localization and quantitation of EXT1 and EXT2 proteins by immunocytochemistry using antibodies raised against unique peptide epitopes. In an isolated non-HME exostosis, we detected three genetic hits: deletion of one EXT1 gene, a net 21-bp deletion within the other EXT1 gene and a deletion in intron 1 causing loss of gene product. Diminished levels of EXT1 and EXT2 protein were found in 9 (82%) and 5 (45%) exostosis chondrocyte strains, respectively, and 4 (36%) were deficient in levels of both proteins. Although we found mutations in exostosis chondrocytes, mutational analysis alone did not predict all the observed decreases in EXT gene products in exostosis chondrocytes, suggesting additional genetic mutations. Moreover, exostosis chondrocytes exhibit an unusual cellular phenotype characterized by abnormal actin bundles in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that multiple mutational steps are involved in exostosis development and that EXT genes play a role in cell signaling related to chondrocyte cytoskeleton regulation.

Actins↗

Genotypic and phenotypic spectrum in tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome types I and III.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. Three subtypes have been described: TRPS I, caused by mutations in the TRPS1 gene on chromosome 8; TRPS II, a microdeletion syndrome affecting the TRPS1 and EXT1 genes; and TRPS III, a form with severe brachydactyly, due to short metacarpals, and severe short stature, but without exostoses. To investigate whether TRPS III is caused by TRPS1 mutations and to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation in TRPS, we performed extensive mutation analysis and evaluated the height and degree of brachydactyly in patients with TRPS I or TRPS III. We found 35 different mutations in 44 of 51 unrelated patients. The detection rate (86%) indicates that TRPS1 is the major locus for TRPS I and TRPS III. We did not find any mutation in the parents of sporadic patients or in apparently healthy relatives of familial patients, indicating complete penetrance of TRPS1 mutations. Evaluation of skeletal abnormalities of patients with TRPS1 mutations revealed a wide clinical spectrum. The phenotype was variable in unrelated, age- and sex-matched patients with identical mutations, as well as in families. Four of the five missense mutations alter the GATA DNA-binding zinc finger, and six of the seven unrelated patients with these mutations may be classified as having TRPS III. Our data indicate that TRPS III is at the severe end of the TRPS spectrum and that it is most often caused by a specific class of mutations in the TRPS1 gene.

Adolescent↗

Mutations in a new gene, encoding a zinc-finger protein, cause tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I, MIM 190350) is a malformation syndrome characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. TRPS I patients have sparse scalp hair, a bulbous tip of the nose, a long flat philtrum, a thin upper vermilion border and protruding ears. Skeletal abnormalities include cone-shaped epiphyses at the phalanges, hip malformations and short stature. We assigned TRPS1 to human chromosome 8q24. It maps proximal of EXT1, which is affected in a subgroup of patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses and deleted in all patients with TRPS type II (TRPS II, or Langer-Giedion syndrome, MIM 150230; ref.2-5). We have positionally cloned a gene that spans the chromosomal breakpoint of two patients with TRPS I and is deleted in five patients with TRPS I and an interstitial deletion. Northern-blot analyses revealed transcripts of 7 and 10.5 kb. TRPS1has seven exons and an ORF of 3,843 bp. The predicted protein sequence has two potential nuclear localization signals and an unusual combination of different zinc-finger motifs, including IKAROS-like and GATA-binding sequences. We identified six different nonsense mutations in ten unrelated patients. Our findings suggest that haploinsufficiency for this putative transcription factor causes TRPS I.

Blotting, Northern↗

The EIF3S3 gene encoding the p40 subunit of the translation initiation factor eIF3 has eight exons and maps to the Langer-Giedion syndrome chromosome region on 8q24, but is not the TRPS1 gene.

We have mapped the gene encoding the p40 subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3 (EIF3S3) close to the distal border of the minimal critical region for tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I) on human chromosome 8q24. Because this location makes EIF3S3 a candidate for the TRPS1 gene, we have determined the genomic structure of the EIF3S3 gene and searched for gene deletions and mutations in patients with TRPS I. The gene has eight exons and is transcribed from telomere to centromere. No deletion could be detected in 32 unrelated patients with an apparently normal karyotype. Sequence analysis of all exons in 15 unrelated patients did not reveal any point mutation either. Our data exclude EIF3S3 as the TRPS1 gene.

Blotting, Northern↗

Genes and chromosomal breakpoints in the Langer-Giedion syndrome region on human chromosome 8.

The tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type II (TRPS II, or Langer-Giedion syndrome) is an example of contiguous gene syndromes, as it comprises the clinical features of two autosomal dominant diseases, TRPS I and a form of multiple cartilaginous exostoses caused by mutations in the EXT1 gene. We have constructed a contig of cosmid, lambda-phage, PAC, and YAC clones, which covers the entire TRPS I critical region. Using these clones we identified a novel submicroscopic deletion in a TRPS I patient and refined the proximal border of the minimal TRPS1 gene region by precisely mapping the inversion breakpoint of another patient. As a first step towards a complete inventory of genes in the Langer-Giedion syndrome chromosome region (LGCR) with the ultimate aim to identify the TRPS1 gene, we analyzed 23 human expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and four genes (EIF3S3, RAD21, OPG, CXIV) which had been assigned to human 8q24.1. Our analyses indicate that the LGCR is gene-poor, because none of the ESTs and genes map to the minimal TRPS1 gene region and only two of these genes, RAD21 and EIF3S3, are located within the shortest region of deletion overlap of TRPS II patients. Two genes, OPG and CXIV, which are deleted only in some patients with TRPS II may contribute to the clinical variability of this syndrome.

Child↗

Mutations in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes in hereditary multiple exostoses.

Hereditary multiple exostoses (EXT; MIM 133700) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterized by the presence of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumors (exostoses). Besides suffering complications caused by the pressure of these exostoses on the surrounding tissues, EXT patients are at an increased risk for malignant chondrosarcoma, which may develop from an exostosis. EXT is genetically heterogeneous, and three loci have been identified so far: EXT1, on chromosome 8q23-q24; EXT2, on 11p11-p12; and EXT3, on the short arm of chromosome 19. The EXT1 and EXT2 genes were cloned recently, and they were shown to be homologous. We have now analyzed the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, in 26 EXT families originating from nine countries, to identify the underlying disease-causing mutation. Of the 26 families, 10 families had an EXT1 mutation, and 10 had an EXT2 mutation. Twelve of these mutations have never been described before. In addition, we have reviewed all EXT1 and EXT2 mutations reported so far, to determine the nature, frequency, and distribution of mutations that cause EXT. From this analysis, we conclude that mutations in either the EXT1 or the EXT2 gene are responsible for the majority of EXT cases. Most of the mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 cause premature termination of the EXT proteins, whereas missense mutations are rare. The development is thus mainly due to loss of function of the EXT genes, consistent with the hypothesis that the EXT genes have a tumor- suppressor function.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genomic organization and promoter structure of the human EXT1 gene.

Hereditary predisposition to multiple exostoses is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Recently, we have reported the identification of the EXT1 gene on human chromosome 8. We have now isolated a cDNA clone from a human adult lung cDNA library and have determined the genomic organization and promoter structure of the EXT1 gene. The gene is composed of 11 exons, ranging from 90 to 1735 bp, and spans approximately 350 kb of genomic DNA. Sequence analysis of the promoter region revealed the presence of a CpG island containing GC and CAAT boxes, but no TATA box. Such a promoter is characteristic for housekeeping genes. This finding is in good agreement with the ubiquitous expression of the EXT1 gene.

Adult↗

The tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndromes: frequency and parental origin of 8q deletions.

The tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndromes type I (TRPS I) and type II (TRPS II) result from the deletion of overlapping sets of genes within the Langer-Giedion syndrome chromosomal region (LGCR) on chromosome 8. In contrast to TRPS I patients, most TRPS II patients have cytogenetically visible deletions and are often mentally retarded. Using Southern blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, we searched for submicroscopic deletions in 12 patients with TRPS I and an apparently normal karyotype. One patient of normal intelligence was found to have a deletion of approximately 5 Mb. This suggests that mental retardation in TRPS is caused by genes outside the 5-Mb region. Using three LGCR microsatellite markers, we determined the parental origin of this TRPS I deletion and of eight TRPS II deletions. In six patients, the deletion was of paternal origin and in three patients it was of maternal origin.

Blotting, Southern↗

A de nevo complex t(7;13;8) translocation with a deletion in the TRPS gene region.

Molecular cytogenetic analyses have resolved the pathogenetic aberration of an 8-year-old girl with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I), normal intelligence, and a karyotype originally described as 46,XX,t(8;13)(q24;q21). R- and Q-banding and high resolution R-banding analyses have also disclosed a seemingly mosaic abnormality of the distal short arm of chromosome 7 but have not fully characterized this abnormality. Combined primed in situ labelling and chromosome painting, and three-colour chromosome painting have revealed a complex, apparently balanced translocation t(7;13;8). Fluorescence in situ hybridization with yeast artificial chromosome and cosmid clones from 8q24.1 has shown an interstitial deletion of at least 3 Mb covering most of the TRPS I critical region.

Child↗

The murine Ext1 gene shows a high level of sequence similarity with its human homologue and is part of a conserved linkage group on chromosome 15.

We have cloned and sequenced the murine homologue of the human EXT1 gene. At the protein level, these genes show almost complete identity as divergence is limited to only 5 amino acid positions that are scattered about the whole sequence. In addition, similarity searches identified a protein from chromosome III of C. elegans that shows significant similarity to the human and murine EXT/Ext genes. Using high resolution backcross mapping, the murine Ext1 was mapped at 26.55 cM between D15Mit143 and D15Mit153 on mouse chromosome 15. Therefore, Ext1 is part of an evolutionarily conserved linkage group including SDC2/Hspg1, TRHR/Trhr, EXT1/Ext1, MYC/Myc, and TG/Tgn.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A 4-megabase YAC contig that spans the Langer-Giedion syndrome region on human chromosome 8q24.1: use in refining the location of the trichorhinophalangeal syndrome and multiple exostoses genes (TRPS1 and EXT1).

We have constructed a physical map covering over 4 Mb of human chromosome 8q24.1 and used this map to refine the locations of the genes responsible for Langer-Giedion syndrome. The map is composed of overlapping YAC clones that were identified and ordered in relation to sequence tagged sites mapped to the Langer-Giedion chromosomal region on somatic cell hybrids. The minimal region of overlap of Langer-Giedion syndrome deletions, previously identified by analysis of 15 patients, was placed on the map by analysis of 2 patients whose deletions define the endpoints. The chromosome 8 breakpoint of a balanced t(8;9)(q24.11;q33.3) translocation from a patient with trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS I) was found to be located just within the proximal end of the minimal deletion region. A deletion of 8q24.11-q24.3 in a patient with multiple exostoses was found to overlap the distal end of the LGS deletion region, indicating that the EXT1 gene is distal to the TRPS1 gene and supporting the hypothesis that Langer-Giedion syndrome is due to loss of functional copies of both the TRPS1 and the EXT1 genes.

Animals↗

Cloning of the putative tumour suppressor gene for hereditary multiple exostoses (EXT1).

Hereditary multiple exostoses is an autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by short stature and multiple, benign bone tumours. In a majority of families, the genetic defect (EXT1) is linked to the Langer-Giedion syndrome chromosomal region in 8q24.1. From this region we have cloned and characterized a cDNA which spans chromosomal breakpoints previously identified in two multiple exostoses patients. Furthermore, the gene harbours frameshift mutations in affected members of two EXT1 families. The cDNA has a coding region of 2,238 bp with no apparent homology to other known gene sequences and thus its function remains elusive. However, recent studies in sporadic and exostosis-derived chondrosarcomas suggest that the 8q24.1-encoded EXT1 gene may have tumour suppressor function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular dissection of a contiguous gene syndrome: localization of the genes involved in the Langer-Giedion syndrome.

The Langer-Giedion syndrome (tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type II, TRPS II) is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism and skeletal abnormalities. It combines the clinical features of TRPS I and multiple cartilaginous exostoses (EXT). We have used YAC cloning, Southern blotting, PCR analysis, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to study chromosome 8 deletions, translocations, an inversion, and an insertion in patients with TRPS I, TRPS II or EXT. Our results indicate that the TRPS gene maps more than 1,000 kb proximal to the EXT1 gene and that both genes are affected in TRPS II. We conclude that TRPS II is not due to pleiotropic effects of mutations in a single gene, but that it is a true contiguous gene syndrome.

Base Sequence↗

The human protein kinase gene PKX1 on Xp22.3 displays Xp/Yp homology and is a site of chromosomal instability.

We have isolated a gene, PKX1, by virtue of its position within the candidate region for chondrodysplasia punctata in Xp22.3. Although data from one patient render it unlikely that PKX1 is the CDPX gene, this gene shows several interesting features. First, PKX1 appears to encode a novel type of human protein kinase that is related to the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinases and has striking homology to the DC2 protein kinase from Drosophila melanogaster. Second, PKX1 is part of a family of at least four genes or pseudogenes, of which three map to the human sex chromosomes. In contrast to all other genes from the X-specific region of Xp22.3, PKX1 has a homologue on Yp rather than Yq. This is intriguing as it indicates that the single pericentric inversion event hypothesized to have occurred during primate evolution is not sufficient to explain the present X/Y-homology pattern of Xp22.3. Third, we have characterized patients with different chromosomal rearrangements in Xp22.3 or Yp and show that a high proportion of these have occurred within the PKX1 locus. This suggests that the PKX1 gene, besides harbouring a previously described hot-spot for illegitimate Xp/Yp-recombination, contains additional sequences predisposing to chromosomal breakage events.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of a microdissection library from human chromosome region 3p14.

Structural alterations in human chromosome region 3p14-p23 resulting in the inactivation of one or more tumor suppressor genes are thought to play a pathogenic role in small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other human neoplasms. To identify putative tumor suppressor genes, 428 recombinant clones from a microdissection library specific for human chromosome region 3p14 were isolated and characterized. Ninety-six of these (22.5%) were human single-copy DNA sequences, 57 of which were unique sequence clones. Forty-four of these were mapped to the microdissected region using a cell hybrid mapping panel. Within this mapping panel, four probes detected two new chromosome breakpoints that were previously indistinguishable from the translocation breakpoint t(3;8) in 3p14.2 in hereditary renal cell carcinoma. One probe maps to the homozygously deleted region of the small cell lung cancer cell line U2020. In addition, microdissection clones have been shown to be suitable for isolation of yeast artificial chromosomes.

Animals↗

The origin of human chromosome 2 analyzed by comparative chromosome mapping with a DNA microlibrary.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of microlibraries established from distinct chromosome subregions can test the evolutionary conservation of chromosome bands as well as chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during primate evolution and will help to clarify phylogenetic relationships. We used a DNA library established by microdissection and microcloning from the entire long arm of human chromosome 2 for fluorescence in situ hybridization and comparative mapping of the chromosomes of human, great apes (Pan troglodytes, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pygmaeus) and Old World monkeys (Macaca fuscata and Cercopithecus aethiops). Inversions were found in the pericentric region of the primate chromosome 2p homologs in great apes, and the hybridization pattern demonstrates the known phylogenetically derived telomere fusion in the line that leads to human chromosome 2. The hybridization of the 2q microlibrary to chromosomes of Old World monkeys gave a different pattern from that in the gorilla and the orang-utan, but a pattern similar to that of chimpanzees. This suggests convergence of chromosomal rearrangements in different phylogenetic lines.

Animals↗

A human pseudoautosomal gene encodes the ANT3 ADP/ATP translocase and escapes X-inactivation.

We report that the human ANT3 ADP/ATP translocase gene is a pseudoautosomal gene located proximal to the GM-CSF receptor alpha chain gene (CSF2RA). An ANT3-homologous locus, likely corresponding to a pseudogene, maps to chromosome 9. The ANT3 gene is transcribed from the centromere to the telomere and contains in its first intron a CpG island mapped 1300 kb from the telomere. This gene is transcribed from the Y chromosome and from the active and inactive X chromosomes. This gene thus escapes X-inactivation as predicted for genes belonging to the pseudoautosomal region.

Aneuploidy↗