Premium
A novel mitochondrial point mutation in a maternal pedigree with sensorineural deafness
Author(s) -
Reid Fiona M.,
Vernham Guy A.,
Jacobs Howard T.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
human mutation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1098-1004
pISSN - 1059-7794
DOI - 10.1002/humu.1380030311
Subject(s) - biology , genetics , mutation , mitochondrial dna , point mutation , sensorineural hearing loss , transfer rna , mutant , stop codon , hearing loss , gene , rna , audiology , medicine
We have detected a novel mitochondrial mutation in a maternal pedigree, at least 13 of whose members have sensorineural hearing loss of varying severity, but who exhibit no other pathological features. The mutation, at np 7445, converts the 3′ terminal T residue of tRNA‐ser(UCN) to a C, and also brings about a silent alteration to the COI stop codon. The mutation destroys an XbaI site, within which a second mutation, at np 7444, has previously been reported in association with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Predominantly mutant mtDNA was found in all 13 family members surveyed, whether or not they are overtly affected by deafness, and some individuals appeared homoplasmic, within the limits of detection. The novel mutation was not found in over 600 normal controls, nor in any of 27 other maternally unrelated individuals with deafness Other mutations found in mitochondrial disorders were also absent from this pedigree. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.