[Ret-protooncogene mutation, verified by molecular genetic methods, in a Hungarian MEN Type 2a family]

Orv Hetil. 1999 Feb 14;140(7):355-7.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

Multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) is a hereditary tumour syndrome characterized by the association of medullary thyroid cancer, phaeochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. During the past few years the cloning of the gene responsible for the syndrome, the ret protooncogene, made the molecular genetic diagnosis of the disease possible. In this study we demonstrate the results of the MEN2 mutation analysis performed in three members of a Hungarian MEN2A family. The mutation analysis was carried out according to the method of Dr. W. Hoppner's Laboratory (Hamburg) that is the main centre for MEN2 genetic diagnosis in Germany. Two Members of the family are affected, one suffered from both medullary thyroid cancer and phaeochromocytoma, the other (the first patient's daughter) had only medullary thyroid cancer. We found a ret exon 11 codon 634 mutation, that resulted in the change of TGC to TAC, a cysteine-tyrosine amino acid exchange. We found no mutation in the youngest member of the family. This result is of great clinical significance, because the carrier status of this individual can thus be excluded and, therefore, there is no need for prophylactic thyroidectomy and further clinical screening tests. As molecular genetic diagnosis of MEN2 becomes possible, the uncertain clinical examinations used for MEN2 diagnosis seems to be less important.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • English Abstract
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogenes* / genetics