Mutant KCNJ3 and KCNJ5 Potassium Channels as Novel Molecular Targets in Bradyarrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Bradyarrhythmia is a common clinical manifestation. Although the majority of cases are acquired, genetic analysis of families with bradyarrhythmia has identified a growing number of causative gene mutations. Because the only ultimate treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia has been invasive surgical implantation of a pacemaker, the discovery of novel therapeutic molecular targets is necessary to improve prognosis and quality of life.

Identification of MMP1 as a novel risk factor for intracranial aneurysms in ADPKD using iPSC models.

Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and intracranial aneurysm (ICA) causing subarachnoid hemorrhage is among the most serious complications. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ICAs in ADPKD have not been fully established. We here generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from seven ADPKD patients, including four with ICAs.

Identification of RNF213 as a susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease and its possible role in vascular development.

Background: Moyamoya disease is an idiopathic vascular disorder of intracranial arteries. Its susceptibility locus has been mapped to 17q25.3 in Japanese families, but the susceptibility gene is unknown.

Confirmation of an association of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1333040 on 9p21 with familial and sporadic intracranial aneurysms in Japanese patients.

Background And Purpose: Genetic factors are important determinants of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Recently, a multinational, genome-wide association study identified 3 loci associated with IA, located on 2q (rs700651), 8q (rs10958409), and 9p (rs1333040 and rs10757278). The aim of this study was to evaluate these associations.

A rare Asian founder polymorphism of Raptor may explain the high prevalence of Moyamoya disease among East Asians and its low prevalence among Caucasians.

Background: In an earlier study, we identified a locus for Moyamoya disease (MMD) on 17q25.3.

Methods: Linkage analysis and fine mapping were conducted for two new families in additional to the previously studied 15 families.

Mutations in SLC6A19, encoding B0AT1, cause Hartnup disorder.

Hartnup disorder, an autosomal recessive defect named after an English family described in 1956 (ref. 1), results from impaired transport of neutral amino acids across epithelial cells in renal proximal tubules and intestinal mucosa. Symptoms include transient manifestations of pellagra (rashes), cerebellar ataxia and psychosis.

Evaluation of a mass screening program for lysinuric protein intolerance in the northern part of Japan.

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI:MIM 222700) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by defective transport of the dibasic amino acids. We recently reported a local cluster of LPI in the northern part of Japan (Koizumi et al., 2000).