Open AccessArg555Gln Mutation of TGFBI Gene in Geographical-Type Reis—Bücklers Corneal Dystrophy in a Chinese Family
Author(s) -
Piao Mz,
Zhou Xt,
Lai-Chu Wu,
Chu Ry
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of international medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1473-2300
pISSN - 0300-0605
DOI - 10.1177/147323001204000335
Subject(s) - tgfbi , corneal dystrophy , proband , exon , genetics , mutation , cornea , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , gene mutation , dystrophy , phenotype , medicine , biology , ophthalmology
OBJECTIVE: Mutations of the transforming growth factor β-induced ( TGFBI) gene were studied in a Chinese family with Reis—Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD). METHODS: Six family members with RBCD and six unaffected family members were investigated. The pedigree showed a typical dominant inheritance pattern. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leucocytes from all study participants. Exons 4, 12 and 14 of the TGFBI gene were analysed using polymerase chain reaction, and standard automated sequencing was performed. Corneal tissue sampled from the proband during phototherapeutic keratectomy was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: A typical geographical pattern of fine opacities in Bowman's layer of the cornea was seen in all six patients on slit-lamp examination. An Arg555Gln (R555Q) mutation of the TGFBI gene was identified in all six patients but was absent in all unaffected family members. TEM revealed rod-shaped bodies in Bowman's layer of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: In this Chinese family an R555Q mutation of the TGFBI gene was associated with RBCD. As the RBCD phenotype is usually associated with an R124L mutation, this novel genotype—phenotype correlation may prompt further investigation of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophy.