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Association of combined GIF290T>C heterozygous mutation/ FUT2 secretor variant with neural tube defects
Author(s) -
GuéantRodriguez R.M.,
Chery C.,
CaillierezFofou B.M.,
Voirin J.,
Foliguet B.,
Josse T.,
Tramoy D.,
Feillet F.,
Guéant J.L.
Publication year - 2018
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 - 10.1111/cge.13104
Subject(s) - neural tube , genotype , fetus , allele , vitamin b12 , heterozygote advantage , compound heterozygosity , medicine , neural tube defect , mutation , biology , endocrinology , pregnancy , genetics , embryo , gene
Folate and vitamin B12 are needed for the proper embryo‐fetal development possibly through their interacting role in the 1‐carbon metabolism. Folate fortification reduces the prevalence of complex birth defects, and more specifically neural tube defects (NTDs). GIF and FUT2 are 2 genes associated with the uptake and blood level of vitamin B12. We evaluated GIF and FUT2 as predictors of severe birth defects, in 183 aborted fetuses compared with 375 healthy newborns. The GIF290C allele frequency was estimated to 0.4% in healthy newborns and to 8.1% in NTD fetuses (odds ratio 17.8 [95% confidence interval CI: 4.0‐77.6]). The frequency of FUT2 rs601338 secretor variant was not different among groups. The GIF 290C heterozygous/ FUT2 rs601338 secretor variant combined genotype was reported in 6 of the 37 NTD fetuses, but not in other fetuses and healthy newborns ( P < .0001). This GIF / FUT2 combined genotype has been previously reported in children with congenital gastric intrinsic factor (GIF) deficiency, with respective consequences on B12 binding activity and GIF secretion. In conclusion, a genotype reported in congenital GIF deficiency produces also severe forms of NTD. This suggests that vitamin B12 delivery to neural tissue by the CUBN/GIF pathway could play a role in the neural tube closure mechanisms.