Nonconsensus intronic mutations cause episodic ataxia

Ann Neurol. 2005 Jan;57(1):131-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.20343.

Abstract

We discovered intronic mutations in two episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) families: a four-nucleotide GAGT deletion at IVS41+(3-6) and a single nucleotide insertion (insT) at IVS24+3. We expressed minigenes harboring the mutations in cell lines to demonstrate exon skipping from the deletion mutation and the activation of a cryptic splice donor site from the insertion mutation. The identification of these disease-causing mutations expands the spectrum of EA2 mutations and emphasizes the importance of intronic sequences in regulating gene expression.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Ataxia / genetics*
  • COS Cells
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Child
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / methods
  • Exons
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Introns*
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA Splicing / physiology
  • RNA, Small Nuclear / physiology
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • CACNA1C protein, human
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA, Small Nuclear