A novel γD-crystallin mutation causes mild changes in protein properties but leads to congenital coralliform cataract

Li Yun Zhang, Bo Gong, Jian Ping Tong, Dorothy Shu Ping Fan, Sylvia Wai Yee Chiang, Dinghua Lou, Dennis Shun Chiu Lam, Gary Hin Fai Yam, Chi Pui Pang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the genetic lesions for congenital coralliform cataract. Methods: Two Chinese families with autosomal dominant coralliform cataract, 12 affected and 14 unaffected individuals, were recruited. Fifteen known genes associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataract were screened by two-point linkage analysis with gene based single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellite markers. Sequence variations were identified. Recombinant FLAG-tagged wild type or mutant γD-crystallin was expressed in human lens epithelial cells and COS-7 cells. Protein solubility and intracellular distribution were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results: A novel heterozygous change, c.43C>A (R15S) of γD-crystallin (CRYGD) co-segregated with coralliform cataract in one family and a known substitution, c.70C>A (P24T), in the other family. Unaffected family members and 103 unrelated control subjects did not carry these mutations. Similar to the wild type protein, R15S γD-crystallin was detergent soluble and was located in the cytoplasm. ProtScale and ScanProsite analyses revealed raised local hydrophobicity and the creation of a hypothetical casein kinase II phosphorylation site. Conclusions: A novel R15S mutation caused congenital coralliform cataract in a Chinese family. R15S possessed similar properties to the wild type γD-crystallin, but its predicted increase of hydrophobicity and putative phosphorylation site could lead to protein aggregation, subsequently causing opacification in lens.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1521-1529
Number of pages9
JournalMolecular vision
Volume15
StatePublished - Aug 6 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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