PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

De novo deletion removes a conserved motif in the C-terminus of ABCA4 and results in cone-rod dystrophy

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, ISSN: 1434-6621, Vol: 44, Issue: 5, Page: 533-537
2006
  • 14
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 12
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

Article Description

Background: Mutations in the retina-specific ABC transporter (ABCA4) gene are associated with different types of macular degeneration, including Stargardt disease, cone-rod dystrophy, Fundus flavimaculatus, Retinitis pigmentosa and probably age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Screening for mutations in the ABCA4 gene was performed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. Results: We describe the identification of a new de novo 44-bp deletion in an Italian patient affected by cone-rod dystrophy. The mutation, located in intron 48 of the ABCA4 gene, is predicted to cause exon 49 skipping, resulting in loss of the C-terminus of the ABCA4 protein. Interestingly, exon 49 also codes for a highly conserved VFVNFA motif, which has been demonstrated to be essential for the activity of ABCA1, another gene of the ABC transporter family. The presence of CT repeats at the breakpoints might have facilitated the generation of the deletion through a slippage mispairing mechanism. Conclusions: The new 6730-16del44 deletion is the first de novo mutation associated with cone-rod dystrophy and may contribute to a better understanding of the role of ABCA4 mutations in macular dystrophies. © 2006 by Walter de Gruyter.

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know