ANALYSIS OF THE TGFBR1 GENE AS A CANDIDATE GENE IN MARFAN SYNDROME AND RELATED DISORDERS PATIENTS, NEGATIVE FOR FBN1 AND TGFBR2 MUTATIONS

Abstract

Background Marfan Syndrome (MFS) and related disorders involves particularly skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular. Aortic aneurysms and dissections is the commonest feature of MFS leading to death. MFS caused by mutation in FBN1, and recently, also in TGFBR2 and TGFBR1. Mutation analysis in TGFBR1 gene is needed to know if the mutation is present in patient with MFS and related disorders. Methods One hundred and ninety four patients with MFS and related disorders, who have at least one major criteria of MFS and found to be negative for FBN1 and TGFBR2 mutation, are included. The DNA of the patients were then analyzed for TGFBR1 mutation by direct sequencing of the whole gene. The potency of pathogenicity of the mutation was predicted by referring to previous publication, amino acid changes, multiple alignment analysis and with the help of internetbased software, PolyPhen and SIFT. Results Ten patients were found to carry TGFBR1 missense mutation. Each of them carried a different mutation, except 2 patients carried the same mutation. Seven out of nine of the mutations are considered pathogenic and 2 are not pathogenic. Aortic aneurysm is present in most patients with the mutation. None of the patient with classic MFS has mutation in TGFBR1 gene. Conclusion Despite of mutation analysis on FBN1 and TGFBR2, mutation analysis on TGFBR1 in patient with MFS and related disorders is needed, especially on those who have aortic aneurysm. Knowledge of the presence of a mutation in an individual or in a family, may give a better guidance for comprehensive treatment including genetic counseling