The electrostatic role of the Zn-Cys2His2 complex in binding of operator DNA with transcription factors: mouse EGR-1 from the Cys2His2 family

A novel WT1 gene mutation in a chinese girl with denys-drash syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) is defined by the triad of Wilms tumor, nephrotic syndrome, and/or ambiguous genitalia. Genetic testing may help identify new gene mutation sites and play an important role in clinical decision-making.

METHODS

We present a patient with an XY karyotype and female appearance, nephropathy, and Wilms tumor in the right kidney. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells according to standard protocols. "Next-generation" sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify novel variants. The variant was analyzed with Mutation Taster, and its function was explored by a cell growth inhibition assay.

RESULTS

We found the first case of Denys-Drash syndrome with the uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in the WT1 gene. In silico analysis, the variant was predicted "disease-causing" by Mutation Taster. The mutated variant showed a weaker effect in inhibiting tumor cells than wild-type WT1.

CONCLUSIONS

The uncommon missense mutation (c.1420C>T, p.His474 Tyr) in the WT1 gene may be a crucial marker in DDS.

Tuned structure and DNA binding properties of metal complexes based on a new 4-acylpyrazolone derivative

The structure and DNA binding performance of three transition metal compounds based on a new pyrazolone ligand were tuned effectively by changing both metal cations and anions.

Binding of Cys2His2 transcription factors with operator DNA: functional role of linkers between Zn-fingers

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.