Frameshift and splice-junction mutations in the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene cause cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in Jews of Moroccan origin

Eran Leitersdorf*, Ayeleth Reshef, Vardiella Meiner, Rubina Levitzki, Sigal Pressman Schwartz, Eldad J. Dann, Neville Berkman, James J. Cali, Laurent Klapholz, Vladimir M. Berginer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Scopus citations

Abstract

The sterol 27-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.15) catalyzes steps in the oxidation of sterol intermediates that form bile acids. Mutations in this gene give rise to the autosomal recessive disease cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). CTX is characterized by tendon xanthomas, cataracts, a multitude of neurological manifestations, and premature atherosclerosis. A relatively high prevalence of the disease has been noted in Jews originating from Morocco. The major objectives of the present investigation were to determine the gene structure and characterize the common mutant alleles that cause CTX in Moroccan Jews. The gene contains nine exons and eight introns and encompasses at least 18.6 kb of DNA. The putative promoter region is rich in guanidine and cytosine residues and contains potential binding sites for the transcription factor Sp1 and the liver transcription factor, LF-B1. Blotting analysis revealed that the mutant alleles do not produce any detectable sterol 27-hydroxylase mRNA. No major gene rearrangements were found and single-strand conformational polymorphism followed by sequence analysis identified two underlying mutations: deletion of thymidine in exon 4 and a guanosine to adenosine substitution at the 3′ splice acceptor site of intron 4 of the gene. The molecular characterization of CTX in Jews of Moroccan origin provides a definitive diagnosis of this treatable disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2488-2496
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume91
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1993
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Bile salts
  • Cholesterol metabolism
  • Cytochrome P450
  • Dementia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Frameshift and splice-junction mutations in the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene cause cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in Jews of Moroccan origin'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this