Double germline mutations in the RET Proto-oncogene in MEN 2A and MEN 2B kindreds

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2006 Apr;114(4):192-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-924071.

Abstract

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare form of thyroid cancer representing about 10% of all thyroid malignancies. It occurs mostly as a sporadic tumor or in association with autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndromes--multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 2A and 2B and familial MTC. Germline mutations in exons 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the RET proto-oncogene are found in most of the familial cases. There are only a few published data reporting multiple germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. We have detected double germline mutations in 2 different exons on the same RET allele in two MEN 2 families. In the MEN 2A family, double germline mutation in exons 10 (Cys620Phe) and 13 (Tyr791Phe) was detected. In the MEN 2B family, beside the classical germline mutation in exon 16 (Met918Thr) a second germline mutation in exon 13 (Tyr791Phe) was found. This study revealed that MEN 2 syndromes can also be caused by double germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and these families can be added to small worldwide cohort of families with multiple germline mutations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Substitution*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Exons / genetics
  • Female
  • Germ-Line Mutation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a / genetics*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret / genetics*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics*

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret