Cytochrome P4501B1 gene mutations Japanese patients with primary congenital glaucoma

PURPOSE: To report a novel missense mutation and DNA polymorphism of the CY P1B1gene in Japanese patients with primary congenital glaucoma. METHODS: A series of 11 unrelated patients with primary congenital glaucoma was examined. Patients were followed in the Kagoshima University Hospital between 1979 and 1998, DNA was extracted from leukocytes of the patients, t heir families, and unrelated healthy individuals. Amplicons spanning the co ding regions of the CYP1B1 gene were examined by direct sequencing and enzy me-restriction detection. RESULTS: In the 11 unrelated patients, besides the previously reported inse rtional mutation (1620 ins G), a novel missense mutation was identified at codons 444 to replace arginine with glutamine (R444Q) in one patient. The n ovel missense mutation cosegregated in the relevant family as an autosomal recessive pattern and was not found in other patients or control individual s. In addition, five polymorphic sites were found at codons 48, 119, 330, 4 32, and 449, These polymorphic alleles did not cosegregate with the disease , and they were found in healthy individuals as well. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 20% of Japanese patients with primary congenital glaucoma may be affected by mutations in the CYP1B1 gene. Further studies are justified to explore whether a relationship exists between the phenotyp ic expressivity of the disease and the type of mutation, (Am J Ophthalmol 2 001;131:345-350, (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc, All rights reserved.).