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Molecular genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia: spectrum of LDL receptor gene mutations in the Netherlands
Author(s) -
Lombardi M Paola,
Redeker Egbert Jw,
Defesche Joep C,
Kamerling Sylvia Wa,
Trip Mieke D,
Mannens Marcel Mam,
Havekes Louis M,
Kastelein John Jp
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
clinical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1399-0004
pISSN - 0009-9163
DOI - 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2000.570205.x
Subject(s) - familial hypercholesterolemia , mutation , genetics , biology , population , gene mutation , gene , ldl receptor , medicine , endocrinology , cholesterol , lipoprotein , environmental health
Mutations in the LDL receptor are responsible for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). At present, more than 600 mutations of the LDL receptor gene are known to underlie FH. However, the array of mutations varies considerably in different populations. Therefore, the delineation of essentially all LDL receptor gene mutations in a population represents a prerequisite for the implementation of nation‐wide genetic testing for FH. In this study, the frequency and geographical distribution of 13 known mutations were evaluated in a cohort of 1 223 FH patients. We identified 358 mutation carriers, representing 29% of the FH cohort. Four mutations (N543H‐2393del9, 1359−1 G→A, 313+1 G→A and W23X) occurred with a relatively high frequency, accounting for 22.4% of the entire study cohort. Two of these common FH mutations (N543H‐2393del9 and 1359−1 G→A) showed a preferential geographic distribution. Second, to further expand the array of LDL receptor gene mutations, we conducted mutation analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) in 141 children with definite FH. A mutation was identified in 111 patients, involving 16 new single base substitutions and four small deletions and insertions, which brings the number of different FH‐causing mutations in our country up to 61.
Our data indicate that an estimate of the prevalence of specific mutations, as well as the compilation of a database of all FH‐causing mutations in a given country, can facilitate selection of the most appropriate molecular diagnostic approach.