A novel 3-bp deletion in the PANK2 gene of Dutch patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: evidence for a founder effect.

Mutation analysis was performed in four apparently unrelated Dutch families with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, formerly known as Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome. A novel 3-bp deletion encompassing the nucleotides GAG at positions 1,142 to 1,144 of exon 5 of the PANK2 gene was found in all patients. One patient was compound heterozygous; she also carried a novel nonsense mutation (Ser68Stop).

Apparent gene conversions involving the SMN gene in the region of the spinal muscular atrophy locus on chromosome 5.

The survival motor neuron (SMN) gene has been described as a determining gene for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMN has a closely flanking, nearly identical copy (cBCD541). Gene and copy gene can be discriminated by sequence differences in exons 7 and 8.

Prenatal prediction of spinal muscular atrophy. Experience with linkage studies and consequences of present SMN deletion analysis.

With the localisation of the gene for the autosomal recessive forms of proximal spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) to the chromosomal region 5q13 and the later detection of homozygous deletions of the SMN gene located in this region, prenatal prediction of SMA has become feasible and is widely applied now. In our experience with 77 prenatal predictions of SMA, follow-up of the 39 liveborn children from these pregnancies never led to a false-negative result. Application of SMN deletion analysis has consequences for prenatal prediction of SMA.

The physical map of the human RET proto-oncogene.

The RET proto-oncogene, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, is involved in the development of at least five different disease phenotypes. RET is activated through somatic rearrangements in a number of cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma while germ-line point mutations are associated with three inherited cancer syndromes MEN 2A, MEN 2B and FMTC. Moreover, point mutations or heterozygous deletions of RET are found in the dominant form of Hirschsprung disease or congenital colonic aganglionosis.

Deletions of the survival motor neuron gene in unaffected siblings of patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

DNA studies in 103 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients from The Netherlands revealed homozygosity for a survival motor neuron (SMN) deletion in 96 (93%) of 103. Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein deletions were found in 38 (37%) of 103 and occurred most frequently in SMA type I. SMN deletions have not yet been described to occur in healthy subjects.