MiR-204-5p-targeted AP1S2 is necessary for papillary thyroid carcinoma

MiR-204-5p, as a tumour suppressor, has been found in several cancers. However, whether miR-204-5p is involved in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we identified miR-204-5p as a down-regulated miRNA in PTC tissues, unveiling that the levels of miR-204-5p in serum of patients with PTC were linked to PTC risk, and that the expression in patients concomitant with both PTC and benign lesions was much lower than that in patients only with PTC. Furthermore, we documented that miR-204-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression and triggered apoptosis of PTC cells via cell biology experiments. Finally, we identified that AP1S2 was a target of miR-204-5p using RNA-seq, iTRAQ, and bioinformatics prediction. Overall, miR-204-5p functions as a suppressor for PTC pathogenesis via the miR-204-5p/AP1S2 axis.

Clinicopathologic Features of IDEDNIK (MEDNIK) Syndrome in a Term Infant: Histopathologic Features of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Report of a Novel AP1S1 Variant

Inherited syndromes of congenital enteropathy are rare, with many genetic causes described. Mutations of the AP1S1 gene results in the syndrome of intellectual disability, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma (IDEDNIK, formerly in the medical literature as MEDNIK). The clinicopathologic features of the enteropathy in IDEDNIK syndrome have not been fully explored. We describe a female infant who presented with metabolic acidosis, lethargy, and 14 watery stools per day. In the intensive care unit she required parenteral nutrition. She was found to have a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in the AP1S1 gene c.186T>G (p.Y62*). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy at 6 months of age were grossly normal. However, histologic sections of the duodenum showed mild villous blunting and enterocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles. CD10 immunostaining highlighted the disrupted brush border. MOC31 immunostaining was wild-type with a membranous pattern of expression. Electron microscopy of the duodenum showed scattered enterocytes cells with shortened and disrupted apical microvilli. Although there is a mixed gap diarrhea and disrupted brush border, there are no significant inclusions typical of microvillus inclusion disease, nor tufted enterocytes typical of tufting enteropathy, making the clinical and histopathologic features for this syndrome unique.

Misleading localization by 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type-3: a case report

BACKGROUND

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a heterogeneous autosomal-dominant disorder of calcium hemostasis that may be difficult to distinguish clinically from mild primary hyperparathyroidism. Loss-of-function mutations mainly involving Arg15 residue of the adaptor-related protein complex 2, sigma subunit 1 (AP2S1) cause a rarer, more recently recognized form of FHH, FFH type-3. Recently, ¹⁸F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH-PET/CT) showed superior sensitivity to conventional imaging in localizing parathyroid adenomas. We report a new FFH type-3 patient who underwent unnecessary parathyroidectomy in association with misleading FCH-PET/CT imaging.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 29-year old woman was initially evaluated for parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent hypercalcemia in 2013. Medical history was positive only for chronic constipation and malaise with no personal or family history of hypercalcemia, kidney stones, or neck surgery. Over seven years, serum calcium level was 2.51-2.89 mmol/L with concomitant PTH level of 58.7-94.8 mmol/L. Serum phosphate levels were in the low/low normal range. Serum creatinine and magnesium levels were normal. 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was 13 nmol/L. 24-hour urine calcium level was 1.92 mmol/day but increased to 6.99 mmol/day after treatment with cholecalciferol 1000 IU daily. Bone mineral density and renal ultrasound were normal. Parathyroid ultrasound showed two hypoechoic nodules inferior to the left and right thyroid lobes; however, ^99mtechnitium-sestamibi scans (2013, 2016, 2018) were negative. FCH-PET/CT (2019) showed focal uptake co-localizing with the nodule inferior to the left thyroid lobe. The patient underwent left inferior parathyroidectomy and pathology was consistent with parathyroid hyperplasia. However, postoperatively, serum calcium and PTH levels remained elevated and FCH-PET/CT and ultrasound showed persistence of the uptake/nodule. Whole exome sequencing showed Arg15Cys mutation in the AP2S1 gene characteristic of FHH type-3.

CONCLUSIONS

In this new case of FHH type-3, FCH-PET/CT failed to localize to the hyperplastic parathyroid glands and localized instead to apparently a lymph node. This, together with increased urinary calcium after vitamin D supplementation, led to unnecessary parathyroidectomy. Given the increasingly lower cost of genetic testing and the cost of follow up and unnecessary surgery, it may prudent to include genetic testing for FHH early on in patients with mild PTH-dependent hypercalcemia.

Expanding the spectrum of genetic variants in the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene in hypercalcemic individuals

OBJECTIVE

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder with overlapping biochemistry profile with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), making the correct diagnosis a challenge. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of the clinical work-up of a large group of hypercalcemic individuals.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing clinical work-up of hypercalcemia.

MEASUREMENTS

Molecular genetic analysis of the CASR gene and exon 2 of the AP2S1 gene. Plasma levels of ionized calcium and PTH as well as calcium creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR).

RESULTS

A rare CASR variant was identified in 38 of 624 index patients (6.1%). A total of 18 CASR variants identified in this study were novel. No variants were identified in exon 2 of the AP2S1 gene. The majority of the variants (N = 16) were classified as likely pathogenic. The level of plasma calcium, plasma PTH and the CCCR was not affected by the type of variant (ie nonsense vs missense) (all P-values >.05). The CCCR was found to be significantly lower for variants in the transmembrane domain compared with variants located in the extracellular domain (P < .05). Plasma levels of calcium and PTH were not associated with the location of the variant (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

We expanded the spectrum of CASR variants in hypercalcemia with 18 novel variants, and suggest that the location of the CASR variant may affect calcium excretion as determined by the CCCR.

MEDNIK syndrome with a frame shift causing mutation in AP1S1 gene and literature review of the clinical features

MEDNIK syndrome is an autosomal recessive rare disease as one of the most recently described copper metabolism disorder characterized by intellectual disability, ichthyosis, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, enteropathy and keratodermia. Here in, we reported a case presented with ichthyosis and intellectual disability with MEDNIK syndrome that confirmed by mutation analysis in a Turkish child. She was finally diagnosed with MEDNIK syndrome by clinical findings, which were confirmed by molecular genetic testing. Sequencing of AP1S1 gene showed a homozygous insertion c.364dupG (NM_001283.4), which is predicted to cause a frameshift of the reading frame (p.D122Gfs*18). To our knowledge, this is the first case of MEDNIK syndrome from Turkey. Diagnosis of MEDNIK syndrome is still challenging and we hope that this case will contribute to further understanding.

Copper Regulates Maturation and Expression of an MITF:Tryptase Axis in Mast Cells

Copper has previously been implicated in the regulation of immune responses, but the impact of this metal on mast cells is poorly understood. In this article, we address this issue and show that copper starvation of mast cells causes increased granule maturation, as indicated by higher proteoglycan content, stronger metachromatic staining, and altered ultrastructure in comparison with nontreated cells, whereas copper overload has the opposite effects. In contrast, copper status did not impact storage of histamine in mast cells, nor did alterations in copper levels affect the ability of mast cells to degranulate in response to IgER cross-linking. A striking finding was decreased tryptase content in mast cells with copper overload, whereas copper starvation increased tryptase content. These effects were associated with corresponding shifts in tryptase mRNA levels, suggesting that copper affects tryptase gene regulation. Mechanistically, we found that alterations in copper status affected the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, a transcription factor critical for driving tryptase expression. We also found evidence supporting the concept that the effects on microphthalmia-associated transcription factor are dependent on copper-mediated modulation of MAPK signaling. Finally, we show that, in MEDNIK syndrome, a condition associated with low copper levels and a hyperallergenic skin phenotype, including pruritis and dermatitis, the number of tryptase-positive mast cells is increased. Taken together, our findings reveal a hitherto unrecognized role for copper in the regulation of mast cell gene expression and maturation.

Calcimimetic Use in Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia-A Perspective in Endocrinology

CONTEXT

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) causes lifelong hypercalcemia that even persists after subtotal parathyroidectomy. Symptoms are usually mild. Past recommendations have often been for monitoring and against surgical or pharmacologic treatments.

METHODS

Review of publications about FHH, calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs), and calcimimetics.

RESULTS

FHH reflects heterozygous germline mutation of CASR, GNA11, or AP2S1. These mutations inactivate the CaSRs in the parathyroid cell. Thereby, they shift the serum calcium set point to higher values and cause hypercalcemia. Calcimimetic drugs enhance the effects of calcium on the CaSRs and thereby inhibit the parathyroid cell. Calcimimetic drugs are indicated in adults with primary hyperparathyroidism without a good surgical option. Calcimimetic safety and efficacy are not established in children younger than age 18 years. Recent case reports have described treatment of FHH with calcimimetics. Success was classified as combinations of subjective improvements and decreases of serum calcium levels, but not necessarily into the normal range. Treatment was successful in 14 of 16 cases (88%).

CONCLUSION

Deductions based on these case reports have limitations. For example, failures of therapy may not have been reported. Cost of the drug might be rate limiting. Calcimimetics can be offered to adults with FHH and those in whom the serum calcium level is >0.25 mM (1 mg/dL) beyond the upper limit of normal or with possible symptoms of hypercalcemia. Calcimimetics can now be offered to more adults with FHH.

Stepwise CaSR, AP2S1, and GNA11 sequencing in patients with suspected familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia

PURPOSE

Patients with familial hyperparathyroidism and low urinary calcium excretion may have familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) with mutations in one of three genes: the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) defining FHH-type 1, the adaptor-related protein complex 2 (AP2S1) related to FHH-type 3 or the G-protein subunit alpha11 (GNA11) associated with FHH-type 2. We aimed to evaluate the presence of mutations in these genes and to identify phenotypic specificities and differences in these patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Selected patients were recruited for genetic evaluation. After informed consent was signed, blood for DNA extraction was obtained and genetic sequencing of CaSR was done. In negative cases, we further performed sequencing of AP2S1 and GNA11.

RESULTS

A total of 10 index cases were recruited. CaSR sequencing yielded three missense heterozygous mutations (30%): c.554G > A (p.I32V) previously characterized by our team, c.1394 G > A (p.R465Q) and a novel expected disease-causing mutation c.2479 A > C (p.S827R). We identified 2 additional patients (20%) carrying the deleterious recurrent mutation c.44G > T (p.R15L) in the AP2S1 gene. No GNA11 mutation was found. Clinically, patients with AP2S1 mutations had significant cognitive and behavioral disorders, and higher blood calcium and magnesium levels than patients with FHH1.

CONCLUSION

CaSR and AP2S1 sequencing is worthwhile in patients with familial hyperparathyroidism and phenotype suggesting FHH as it can diagnose up to 50% of cases. GNA11 mutations seem much rarer. Learning disabilities in these patients, associated with higher serum calcium and magnesium levels may suggest the presence of AP2S1 rather than CaSR mutation and may guide the first step in the genetic evaluation.

AP2S1 and GNA11 mutations - not a common cause of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia

OBJECTIVE

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) type 1 is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR). Recently, mutations affecting codon 15 in the gene AP2S1 have been shown to cause FHH type 3 in up to 26% of CASR-negative FHH patients. Similarly, mutations in the gene GNA11 have been shown to cause FHH type 2. We hypothesized that mutations in AP2S1 and GNA11 are causative in Danish patients with suspected FHH and that these mutations are not found in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), which is the main differential diagnostic disorder.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We identified patients with unexplained hyperparathyroid hypercalcemia and a control group of verified PHPT patients through review of 421 patients tested for CASR mutations in the period 2006-2014. DNA sequencing of all amino acid coding exons including intron-exon boundaries in AP2S1 and GNA11 was performed.

RESULTS

In 33 CASR-negative patients with suspected FHH, we found two (~6%) with a mutation in AP2S1 (p.Arg15Leu and p.Arg15His). Family screening confirmed the genotype-phenotype correlations. We did not identify any pathogenic mutations in GNA11. No pathogenic mutations were found in the PHPT control group.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the best diagnostic approach to hyperparathyroid hypercalcemic patients suspected to have FHH is to screen the CASR and AP2S1 codon 15 for mutations. If the results are negative and there is still suspicion of an inherited condition (i.e. family history), then GNA11 should be examined.

GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Gain and loss of function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor and associated proteins: current treatment concepts

The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) is the main calcium sensor in the maintenance of calcium metabolism. Mutations of the CASR, the G protein alpha 11 (GNA11) and the adaptor-related protein complex 2 sigma 1 subunit (AP2S1) genes can shift the set point for calcium sensing causing hyper- or hypo-calcemic disorders. Therapeutic concepts for these rare diseases range from general therapies of hyper- and hypo-calcemic conditions to more pathophysiology oriented approaches such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) substitution and allosteric CASR modulators. Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic that enhances receptor function and has gained approval for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. Calcilytics in turn attenuate CASR activity and are currently under investigation for the treatment of various diseases. We conducted a literature search for reports about treatment of patients harboring inactivating or activating CASR, GNA11 or AP2S1 mutants and about in vitro effects of allosteric CASR modulators on mutated CASR. The therapeutic concepts for patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), neonatal hyperparathyroidism (NHPT), neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) are reviewed. FHH is usually benign, but symptomatic patients benefit from cinacalcet. In NSHPT patients pamidronate effectively lowers serum calcium, but most patients require parathyroidectomy. In some patients cinacalcet can obviate the need for surgery, particularly in heterozygous NHPT. Symptomatic ADH patients respond to vitamin D and calcium supplementation but this may increase calciuria and renal complications. PTH treatment can reduce relative hypercalciuria. None of the currently available therapies for ADH, however, prevent tissue calcifications and complications, which may become possible with calcilytics that correct the underlying pathophysiologic defect.

Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Types 1 and 3 and Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Similarities and Differences

CONTEXT

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a genetically heterogeneous condition resembling primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) but not curable by surgery; FHH types 1, 2, and 3 are due to loss-of-function mutations of the CASR, GNA11, or AP2S1 genes, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the phenotypes of patients with genetically proven FHH types 1 or 3 or PHPT.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

This was a mutation analysis in a large cohort, a cross-sectional comparison of 52 patients with FHH type 1, 22 patients with FHH type 3, 60 with PHPT, and 24 normal adults.

INTERVENTION

There were no interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Abnormalities of the CASR, GNA11, and AP2S1 genes, blood calcium, phosphate, and PTH concentrations, urinary calcium excretion were measured.

RESULTS

In 133 families, we detected 101 mutations in the CASR gene, 68 of which were previously unknown, and in 19 families, the three recurrent AP2S1 mutations. No mutation was detected in the GNA11 gene. Patients with FHH type 3 had higher plasma calcium concentrations than patients with FHH type 1, despite having similar PTH concentrations and urinary calcium excretion. Renal tubular calcium reabsorption levels were higher in patients with FHH type 3 than in those with FHH type 1. Plasma calcium concentration was higher whereas PTH concentration and urinary calcium excretion were lower in FHH patients than in PHPT patients. In patients with FHH or PHPT, all data groups partially overlapped.

CONCLUSION

In our population, AP2S1 mutations affect calcium homeostasis more severely than CASR mutations. Due to overlap, the risk of confusion between FHH and PHPT is high.

Cinacalcet Treatment in an Adolescent With Concurrent 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia Type 3 Caused by AP2S1 Mutation

CONTEXT

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) is a common multiple anomaly syndrome in which typical features include congenital heart defects, facial dysmorphism, and palatal anomalies. Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism is a common endocrine manifestation resulting from variable parathyroid hypoplasia, but hypercalcemia has not previously been reported in 22q11.2 DS.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Our patient is a 16-year-old adolescent male with dysmorphic facial features and delayed motor and speech development. At 2 years of age, 22q11.2 DS was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In contrast to hypoparathyroidism that is usually seen in 22q11.2 DS, this patient had early childhood-onset hypercalcemia with inappropriately high PTH levels and hypocalciuria. Genomic DNA was obtained from the proband and screened for calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mutations with negative results. No parathyroid tissue could be localized by imaging or surgical exploration. As a result of symptomatic hypercalcemia, the patient was treated with a calcimimetic (cinacalcet). During the treatment, plasma calcium normalized with mild symptoms of hypocalcemia. After discontinuation of cinacalcet, calcium returned to high pretreatment levels. Further DNA analysis of adaptor protein-2 σ subunit (AP2S1) showed a heterozygous missense mutation c.44 G>T, resulting in a p.R15L substitution; the mutation was absent in the healthy parents and two siblings.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypercalcemia in our patient with 22q11.2 DS could be explained by the de novo mutation in AP2S1. Identification of a genetic cause for hypercalcemia is helpful in guiding management and avoiding unnecessary treatment.

Codon Arg15 mutations of the AP2S1 gene: common occurrence in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia cases negative for calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) mutations

CONTEXT

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominant disorder with three known subtypes: FHH1, FHH2, and FHH3. About 65% of FHH cases are FHH1, caused by inactivating mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene. FHH3 was recently found to be caused by codon Arg15 (p.R15) mutations in the adaptor-related protein complex 2, σ-2 subunit that interacts with the CaSR and is encoded by the AP2S1 gene.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of AP2S1 mutations, and describe the phenotype of FHH3, in an independent cohort of FHH subjects lacking CASR mutations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients presenting with some combination of hypercalcemia, hypermagnesemia, nonsuppressed serum PTH levels, and reduced urinary calcium excretion were studied. Exon 2 of the AP2S1 gene was PCR amplified from patient genomic DNA and Sanger sequenced. The presence of p.R15 mutations was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis.

RESULTS

Five of the 39 subjects had AP2S1 p.R15 mutations, a frequency of 13%. The three recurrent mutations reported previously were all found in our cohort (p.R15C in two, p.R15L in two, and p.R15H in one subject). The FHH3 phenotype did not differ materially from that of FHH1 due to CASR mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results affirm that a significant number of patients suspected of having FHH but proven negative for CASR mutation have AP2S1 p.R15 mutations. Screening for AP2S1 p.R15 mutations in such cases should be considered, given the clinical benefits (avoiding unnecessary parathyroidectomy) that have already been demonstrated for CASR screening in FHH1.

Mutational analysis of the adaptor protein 2 sigma subunit (AP2S1) gene: search for autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 3 (ADH3)

CONTEXT

Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) types 1 and 2 are due to calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) and G-protein subunit-α11 (GNA11) gain-of-function mutations, respectively, whereas CASR and GNA11 loss-of-function mutations result in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) types 1 and 2, respectively. Loss-of-function mutations of adaptor protein-2 sigma subunit (AP2σ 2), encoded by AP2S1, cause FHH3, and we therefore sought for gain-of-function AP2S1 mutations that may cause an additional form of ADH, which we designated ADH3.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the hypothesis that gain-of-function AP2S1 mutations may cause ADH3.

DESIGN

The sample size required for the detection of at least one mutation with a greater than 95% likelihood was determined by binomial probability analysis. Nineteen patients (including six familial cases) with hypocalcemia in association with low or normal serum PTH concentrations, consistent with ADH, but who did not have CASR or GNA11 mutations, were ascertained. Leukocyte DNA was used for sequence and copy number variation analysis of AP2S1.

RESULTS

Binomial probability analysis, using the assumption that AP2S1 mutations would occur in hypocalcemic patients at a prevalence of 20%, which is observed in FHH patients without CASR or GNA11 mutations, indicated that the likelihood of detecting at least one AP2S1 mutation was greater than 95% and greater than 98% in sample sizes of 14 and 19 hypocalcemic patients, respectively. AP2S1 mutations and copy number variations were not detected in the 19 hypocalcemic patients.

CONCLUSION

The absence of AP2S1 abnormalities in hypocalcemic patients, suggests that ADH3 may not occur or otherwise represents a rare hypocalcemic disorder.

Analysis of AP2S1, a calcium-sensing receptor regulator, in familial and sporadic isolated hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Except after neck surgery, hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease caused by defects in genes involved in parathyroid gland development (TBX1/22q11.2 del, GCMB, GATA3, TBCE) or function [calcium sensing receptor (CASR), GNA11, PTH], or the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (AIRE). Approximately 90% of sporadic cases and 30% of familial cases of isolated hypoparathyroidism remain unexplained. Recurrent missense mutations in AP2S1, a calcium-sensing receptor regulator, have been recently identified in familial hyperparathyroidism.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate AP2S1 as a putative hypoparathyroidism-causing gene.

METHODS

Sequencing analysis and quantitative genomic PCR of the AP2S1 gene in a large cohort of 10 index cases (from nine families) and 50 sporadic cases affected with isolated hypoparathyroidism were investigated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

None of the 60 patients presented with nucleotidic changes or copy number variation in the AP2S1 gene, thereby excluding AP2S1 defects as a frequent cause of isolated hypoparathyroidism.

Identification of AP2S1 mutation and effects of low calcium formula in an infant with hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria

CONTEXT

Although AP2S1 has recently been shown to be a causative gene for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 3 (FHH3), knowledge about FHH3 remains poor.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to report AP2S1 mutation and effects of low calcium formula in a patient with hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.

PATIENT

This Japanese female infant was found to have hypercalcemia by a routine laboratory test for poor weight gain on breast feeding. At 49 days of age, serum calcium (adjusted by Payne's formula) was 13.1 mg/dL, intact PTH 27 pg/mL, and urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio 1.29 mg/mg. There was no evidence for hyperparathyroidism, PTHrP-producing neoplasm, and vitamin D excess. These data, except for hypercalciuria, appeared to be consistent with defective calcium-sensing receptor-mediated signaling. With use of low calcium formula containing 2.6 mg/dL of calcium, she showed catch-up growth, and serum calcium was decreased, as was urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio. Furthermore, feeding with a mixture of low calcium formula and standard formula with a 2:1 ratio maintained serum calcium ∼12 mg/dL without markedly increasing serum PTH.

RESULTS

Although no pathologic mutation was detected in CASR or GNA11, a presumably de novo heterozygous mutation (p.Arg15Leu), a previously reported causative mutation for FHH3, was identified in AP2S1 of this patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The results imply that lack of hypocalciuria does not necessarily argue against the presence of AP2S1 mutations. The early infantile age of this patient would have played a certain role in the occurrence of hypercalciuria, and low calcium formula is worth attempting in infants with FHH.

Mutations in AP2S1 cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 3

Adaptor protein-2 (AP2), a central component of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), is pivotal in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, which internalizes plasma membrane constituents such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). AP2, a heterotetramer of α, β, μ and σ subunits, links clathrin to vesicle membranes and binds to tyrosine- and dileucine-based motifs of membrane-associated cargo proteins. Here we show that missense mutations of AP2 σ subunit (AP2S1) affecting Arg15, which forms key contacts with dileucine-based motifs of CCV cargo proteins, result in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 3 (FHH3), an extracellular calcium homeostasis disorder affecting the parathyroids, kidneys and bone. We found AP2S1 mutations in >20% of cases of FHH without mutations in calcium-sensing GPCR (CASR), which cause FHH1. AP2S1 mutations decreased the sensitivity of CaSR-expressing cells to extracellular calcium and reduced CaSR endocytosis, probably through loss of interaction with a C-terminal CaSR dileucine-based motif, whose disruption also decreased intracellular signaling. Thus, our results identify a new role for AP2 in extracellular calcium homeostasis.

Variants in KCNQ1, AP3S1, MAN2A1, and ALDH7A1 and the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Chinese Northern Han population: a case-control study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have explored several novel type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility variants in the KCNQ1 (rs2237892), AP3S1 (rs3756555), MAN2A1 (rs2015698), and ALDH7A1 (rs2306617) genes in Japan and Western Africa. The aim here was to evaluate the contribution of variants in these genes to predisposition for T2D in the Chinese Northern Han population.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Four candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2237892, rs2306617, rs2015698, and rs3756555) were selected and genotyped in 537 unrelated individuals with type 2 diabetes and 510 normal controls. A meta-analysis was also done to explore the association of rs2237892 with T2D in this population.

RESULTS

The C risk allele in rs2237892 and rs3756555 conferred significantly increased susceptibility to T2D (p=0.001, p=0.003, respectively). The significant association remained after adjusting the age, sex, and BMI (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.16-1.69, p=0.001; OR=1.35 95%CI: 1.11-1.63, p=0.002). No association was observed in any genetic models for rs2015698 and rs2306617. Further investigation of the control subjects using an additive model showed that fasting plasma glucose was significantly higher in the individuals with the CC genotype of rs2237892 than in those with the other two genotypes after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (beta=0.062 mmol/l per risk allele, p=0.008). The SNP of rs3756555 was marginally associated with BMI in a recessive model (p=0.05). Meta-analysis yielded an OR of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.23-1.51) for rs2237892.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study the effects of KCNQ1 and AP3S1 variants on susceptibility to T2D in the Chinese Northern Han population were confirmed.

Mutations in the AP1S2 gene encoding the sigma 2 subunit of the adaptor protein 1 complex are associated with syndromic X-linked mental retardation with hydrocephalus and calcifications in basal ganglia

Fried syndrome, first described in 1972, is a rare X-linked mental retardation that has been mapped by linkage to Xp22. Clinical characteristics include mental retardation, mild facial dysmorphism, calcifications of basal ganglia and hydrocephalus. A large four-generation family in which the affected males have striking clinical features of Fried syndrome were investigated for linkage to X-chromosome markers; the results showed that the gene for this condition lies within the interval DXS7109-DXS7593 in Xp22.2. In total, 60 candidate genes located in this region, including AP1S2, which was recently shown to be involved in mental retardation, were screened for mutations. A mutation in the third intron of AP1S2 was found in all affected male subjects in this large French family. The mutation resulted in skipping of exon 3, predicting a protein with three novel amino-acids and with termination at codon 64. In addition, the first known large Scottish family affected by Fried syndrome was reinvestigated, and a new nonsense mutation, p.Gln66X, was found in exon 3. Using CT, both affected patients from the French family who were analysed had marked calcifications of the basal ganglia, as previously observed in the first Scottish family, suggesting that the presence of distinctive basal ganglia calcification is an essential parameter to recognise this syndromic disorder. It may be possible to use this feature to identify families with X-linked mental retardation that should be screened for mutations in AP1S2.

Mutations in the gene encoding the Sigma 2 subunit of the adaptor protein 1 complex, AP1S2, cause X-linked mental retardation

In a systematic sequencing screen of the coding exons of the X chromosome in 250 families with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR), we identified two nonsense mutations and one consensus splice-site mutation in the AP1S2 gene on Xp22 in three families. Affected individuals in these families showed mild-to-profound mental retardation. Other features included hypotonia early in life and delay in walking. AP1S2 encodes an adaptin protein that constitutes part of the adaptor protein complex found at the cytoplasmic face of coated vesicles located at the Golgi complex. The complex mediates the recruitment of clathrin to the vesicle membrane. Aberrant endocytic processing through disruption of adaptor protein complexes is likely to result from the AP1S2 mutations identified in the three XLMR-affected families, and such defects may plausibly cause abnormal synaptic development and function. AP1S2 is the first reported XLMR gene that encodes a protein directly involved in the assembly of endocytic vesicles.