0000000000067102
AUTHOR
W.h. Irwin Mclean
SiRNA-mediated selective inhibition of mutant keratin mRNAs responsible for the skin disorder pachyonychia congenita.
RNA interference offers a novel approach for treating genetic disorders including the rare monogenic skin disorder pachyonychia congenita (PC). PC is caused by mutations in keratin 6a (K6a), K6b, K16, and K17 genes, including small deletions and single nucleotide changes. Transfection experiments of a fusion gene consisting of K6a and a yellow fluorescent reporter (YFP) resulted in normal keratin filament formation in transfected cells as assayed by fluorescence microscopy. Similar constructs containing a single nucleotide change (N171K) or a three-nucleotide deletion (N171del) showed keratin aggregate formation. Mutant-specific small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs) effectively targeted these site…
Expanding the clinical spectrum of hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy and pulmonary fibrosis due to FAM111B mutations
Background Hereditary Fibrosing Poikiloderma (HFP) with tendon contractures, myopathy and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP [MIM 615704]) is a very recently described entity of syndromic inherited poikiloderma. Previously by using whole exome sequencing in five families, we identified the causative gene, FAM111B (NM_198947.3), the function of which is still unknown. Our objective in this study was to better define the specific features of POIKTMP through a larger series of patients. Methods Clinical and molecular data of two families and eight independent sporadic cases, including six new cases, were collected. Results Key features consist of: (i) early-onset poikiloderma, hypotrichosis and hypoh…