Predisposition of genetic disease by modestly decreased expression of GCH1 mutant allele

Exp Mol Med. 2008 Jun 30;40(3):271-5. doi: 10.3858/emm.2008.40.3.271.

Abstract

Recently it was shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can explain individual variation because of the small changes of the gene expression level and that the 50% decreased expression of an allele might even lead to predisposition to cancer. In this study, we found that a decreased expression of an allele might cause predisposition to genetic disease. Dopa responsive dystonia (DRD) is a dominant disease caused by mutations in GCH1 gene. The sequence analysis of the GCH1 in a patient with typical DRD symptoms revealed two novel missense mutations instead of a single dominant mutation. Family members with either of the mutations did not have any symptoms of DRD. The expression level of a R198W mutant allele decreased to about 50%, suggesting that modestly decreased expression caused by an SNP should lead to predisposition of a genetic disease in susceptible individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Clubfoot / genetics
  • Dopamine / deficiency
  • Dystonic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Dystonic Disorders / enzymology
  • Dystonic Disorders / genetics*
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology
  • GTP Cyclohydrolase / genetics*
  • GTP Cyclohydrolase / metabolism
  • Genes, Recessive
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Pedigree
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Levodopa
  • GTP Cyclohydrolase
  • Dopamine