A novel mutation in the alternative splice region of the PAX6 gene in a patient with Peters' anomaly

The genetic architecture of aniridia and Gillespie syndrome

Absence of part or all of the iris, aniridia, is a feature of several genetically distinct conditions. This review focuses on iris development and then the clinical features and molecular genetics of these iris malformations. Classical aniridia, a panocular eye malformation including foveal hypoplasia, is the archetypal phenotype associated with heterozygous PAX6 loss-of-function mutations. Since this was identified in 1991, many genetic mechanisms of PAX6 inactivation have been elucidated, the commonest alleles being intragenic mutations causing premature stop codons, followed by those causing C-terminal extensions. Rarely, aniridia cases are associated with FOXC1, PITX2 and/or their regulatory regions. Aniridia can also occur as a component of many severe global eye malformations. Gillespie syndrome—a triad of partial aniridia, non-progressive cerebellar ataxia and intellectual disability—is phenotypically and genotypically distinct from classical aniridia. The causative gene has recently been identified as ITPR1. The same characteristic Gillespie syndrome-like iris, with aplasia of the pupillary sphincter and a scalloped margin, is seen in ACTA2-related multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome. WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumour, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies and mental retardation/intellectual disability), is caused by contiguous deletion of PAX6 and WT1 on chromosome 11p. Deletions encompassing BDNF have been causally implicated in the obesity and intellectual disability associated with the condition. Lastly, we outline a genetic investigation strategy for aniridia in light of recent developments, suggesting an approach based principally on chromosomal array and gene panel testing. This strategy aims to test all known aniridia loci—including the rarer, life-limiting causes—whilst remaining simple and practical.

Analysis of copy number variation using whole genome exon-focused array CGH in Korean patients with primary congenital glaucoma

PURPOSE

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an autosomal recessive form of glaucoma that manifests within the first year of life and if left untreated, leads to irreversible blindness. Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is the major gene known to be associated with PCG. The role of the CYP1B1 gene in disease pathogenesis and the relatively low detection rate of CYP1B1 mutations in some populations, especially Asians, remain unexplained. We hypothesized that altered gene dosage of CYP1B1 or anterior segmental dysgenesis causative genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCG.

METHODS

We performed whole genome exon-focused array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) to identify copy number variation (CNV) in 20 Korean PCG patients and their parents.

RESULTS

We identified 12 patients with at least one rare gene-containing copy number variation each, corresponding to 25 CNVs (5 deletions and 20 duplications) at frequencies of 5-30% in PCG patients and 0% in controls. The 25 CNVs were not located at known chromosomal loci for PCG, namely GLC3A, which harbors CYP1B1 (2p21), GLC3B (1p36.2-p36.1), or GLC3C (14q23), and did not include any target genes associated with PCG or anterior segmental dysgenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Further genetic studies with larger cohorts of patients are necessary to validate our results and to elucidate other genetic mechanisms underlying PCG, because the identified CNVs might be PCG-specific pathogenic variants and may explain the disease pathogenesis of PCG.

Chromosome abnormalities and the genetics of congenital corneal opacification

Congenital corneal opacification (CCO) encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders that have different etiologies, including genetic and environmental. Terminology used in clinical phenotyping is commonly not specific enough to describe separate entities, for example both the terms Peters anomaly and sclerocornea have been ascribed to a clinical picture of total CCO, without investigating the presence or absence of iridocorneal adhesions. This is not only confusing but also unhelpful in determining valid genotype-phenotype correlations, and thereby revealing clues for pathogenesis. We undertook a systematic review of the literature focusing on CCO as part of anterior segment developmental anomalies (ASDA), and analyzed its association specifically with chromosomal abnormalities. Genes previously identified as being associated with CCO are also summarized. All reports were critically appraised to classify phenotypes according to described features, rather than the given diagnosis. Some interesting associations were found, and are discussed.

Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome Associated with Congenital Glaucoma and Cytochrome P4501B1 Gene Mutations

Developmental anomalies of the ocular anterior chamber angle may lead to an incomplete development of the structures that form the conventional aqueous outflow pathway. Thus, disorders that present with such dysfunction tend to be associated with glaucoma. Among them, Axenfeld-Rieger (ARS) malformation is a rare clinical entity with an estimated prevalence of one in every 200,000 individuals. The changes in eye morphogenesis in ARS are highly penetrant and are associated with 50% risk of development of glaucoma. Mutations in the cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) gene have been reported to be associated with primary congenital glaucoma and other forms of glaucoma and mutations in pituitary homeobox 2 (PITX2) gene have been identified in ARS in various studies. This case was negative for PITX2 mutations and compound heterozygote for CYP1B1 mutations. Clinical manifestations of this patient include bilateral elevated intraocular pressure (>40 mmHg) with increased corneal diameter (>14 mm) and corneal opacity. Patient also had iridocorneal adhesions, anteriorly displaced Schwalbe line, anterior insertion of iris, broad nasal bridge and protruding umbilicus. This is the first study from north India reporting CYP1B1 mutations in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome with bilateral buphthalmos and early onset glaucoma. Result of this study supports the role of CYP1B1 as a causative gene in ASD disorders and its role in oculogenesis.

Corneal transparency: genesis, maintenance and dysfunction

Optimal vision is contingent upon transparency of the cornea. Corneal neovascularization, trauma and, surgical procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy and graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty can lead to corneal opacification. In this article we identify the underlying basis of corneal transparency and factors that compromise the integrity of the cornea. With evidence from work on animal models and clinical studies, we explore the molecular mechanisms of both corneal avascularity and its dysfunction. We also seek to review therapeutic regimens that can safely salvage and restore corneal transparency.