0000000000143205

AUTHOR

Helmut Grasberger

0000-0002-4065-4418

Novel Mutations in the NKX2.1 gene and the PAX8 gene in a Boy with Brain-Lung-Thyroid Syndrome

Abstract Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism which causes thyroid dysgenesis (TD) in a boy with brain-lung-thyroid syndrome. Design, patients, measurements We describe a patient with TD, respiratory disease and cerebral palsy who is heterozygous for mutations in two different genes, the PAX8 (p.E234K) and the NKX2.1 (p.A329GfsX108). In vitro studies were performed to functionally characterize these mutations. Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was identified by neonatal screening associated with a hypoplastic thyroid gland. Postpartum he developed a brain-lung-thyroid syndrome with severe respiratory failure, symptomatic epilepsy and a considerable psychomotor retardation. The DNA-bi…

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Two Cases of Thyroid Dysgenesis Caused by Different Novel PAX8 Mutations in the DNA-Binding Region: In Vitro Studies Reveal Different Pathogenic Mechanisms

Mutations in PAX8, a transcription factor gene, cause thyroid dysgenesis (TD). The extreme variability of the thyroid phenotype makes it difficult to identify individuals harboring PAX8 gene mutations. Here we describe two patients with TD and report two novel PAX8 gene mutations (S54R and R133Q). We performed in vitro studies to functionally characterize these mutations.Using PAX8 expression vectors, we investigated whether the PAX8 mutants localized correctly to the nucleus. To analyze the DNA-binding properties of S54R and R133Q, electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed. Furthermore, we measured whether the mutant PAX8 proteins were able to activate the thyroglobulin (TG)- an…

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Missense mutations of dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) implicated in congenital hypothyroidism have impaired trafficking in cells reconstituted with DUOX2 maturation factor.

Abstract Dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), a reduced NAD phosphate:O2 oxidoreductase flavoprotein, is a component of the thyrocyte H2O2 generator required for hormone synthesis at the apical plasma membrane. We recently identified a specific DUOX2 maturation factor (DUOXA2) that is necessary and sufficient for expression of functional DUOX2 in mammalian cell lines. We have now used a DUOXA2 reconstituted system to provide the first characterization of natural DUOX2 missense variants (Q36H, R376W, D506N) at the molecular level, analyzing their impact on H2O2 generation, trafficking, stability, folding, and DUOXA2 interaction. The Q36H and R376W mutations completely prevent routing of DUOX2 to the cell…

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Mutations in the NKX2.5 Gene and the PAX8 Promoter in a Girl with Thyroid Dysgenesis

Screening of the known candidate genes involved in thyroid organogenesis has revealed mutations in a small subset of patients with congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis (TD).We studied a girl with TD who had mutations in two transcription factors involved in thyroid development.Sequencing analysis of candidate genes involved in thyroid gland development revealed a new paternally inherited heterozygous mutation in the NKX2.5 gene (S265R) and a new maternally inherited heterozygous mutation in the PAX8 promoter region (-456CT). Both parents and a brother, who was also heterozygous for both mutations, were phenotypically normal. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed a correct nucl…

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A Single Copy of the Recently Identified Dual Oxidase Maturation Factor (DUOXA) 1 Gene Produces Only Mild Transient Hypothyroidism in a Patient with a Novel Biallelic DUOXA2 Mutation and Monoallelic DUOXA1 Deletion

Dual oxidases (DUOX1 and DUOX2) play a crucial role in the generation of hydrogen peroxide required in the oxidation of iodide and the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Heterodimerization with specific maturation factors (DUOXA1 and DUOXA2) is essential for the maturation and function of the DUOX enzyme complexes. Biallelic loss-of-function mutations of DUOX2 result in congenital hypothyroidism (CH), whereas a single reported case of homozygous DUOXA2 mutation (Y246X) has been associated with mild CH.We now report an infant with transient CH due to a complex genetic alteration of the DUOX/DUOXA system.Our patient was born to euthyroid nonconsanguineous parents and presented with an elevated TSH…

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