EDM1: a novel point mutation in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein gene in a Chinese family with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Multiple epiphysis dysplasia (MED) is a common skeletal dysplasia with a significant locus heterogeneity. In the majority of clinically defined cases, mutations have been identified in the gene encoding cartilage algometric matrix protein (COMP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five patients were included in the study. Linkage analysis and mutation analysis of the COMP gene were conducted in the patients and their family members.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We have identified a novel mutation in axon 14 of COMP gene in the family.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This mutation produced a severe MED phenotype with marked short stature, early onset osteoarthritis, and remarkable radiographic changes. Our results extended the range of disease-causing mutations in COMP gene and contributed more information about relationship between mutations and phenotype.</p>

Genetic analysis and serum level of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in patients with pseudoachondroplasia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is an autosomal-dominant osteochondrodysplasia due to mutations in the gene encoding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Clinical diagnosis of PSACH is based primarily on family history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. There is evidence that decreased serum COMP concentration may serve as a diagnostic marker in PSACH. Here, we investigated the role of this gene and the serum COMP concentration in Chinese patients with PSACH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A family with three patients and a sporadic case were recruited. Genomic and phenotypic data were recorded. The diagnosis of PSACH was made on the base of clinical evaluation. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. The 8-19 exons and flanking intron-exon boundary sequences of COMP were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screened for mutation by direct DNA sequencing. Serum COMP concentrations of 4 patients and age-compatible control group of 20 unrelated healthy subjects were analyzed on the basis of an ELISA Kit for human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A deletion (c.1447-1455del) was identified in exon 13 in the sporadic case. The mean serum COMP concentrations of four patients (3.12+/-2.28) were significantly lower than those of control group (10.86+/-2.21, P<0.05). There was no overlap in the distribution of serum COMP concentration between PSACH patients and controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mutations in COMP gene are responsible for the PSACH. Serum COMP concentration may be suggested as an additional diagnostic marker to aid clinical findings in suspected cases of PSACH.</p>