A novel mutation in PAX6 gene causing congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract in a pedigree / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To identify the pathogenic gene and inheritance pattern in a pedigree of congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract.Methods:The method of pedigree investigation was adopted.A pedigree of congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract was collected by Yunnan Disabled Rehabilitation Center and the 2nd Afliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University in February 2020.Ophthalmic examinations were carried out on the female proband, her parents, her children and her husband, and the clinical diagnosis was made.Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from the family members.The suspected pathogenic gene in the proband and her husband was screened by whole exome sequencing and was identified by bioinformatics analysis.The amino acid conservation was analyzed by UGENE software.The impact of the mutation on protein translation was predicted using MutationTaster software.The pathogenicity of the mutation was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) Standards and Guidelines.Pathogenic gene and mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the 2nd Afliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (No.PJ-2020-61).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject or custodian.Results:The proband showed large iris defects in both eyes with only a small amount of observable iris tissue in the periphery, lens cortical opacity and posterior capsule opacification, accompanied by nystagmus.A novel heterozygous frameshift variation c. 415dupA (p.R139fs) was located in exon 8 of PAX6 gene, and the variation was conservative across multiple species.The variation was in the highly conserved region of PAX6 gene and caused the dysfunction of PAX6 protein.The variation was graded as PVS1+ PM2+ PP1, a pathogenic variation, based on ACMG guidelines.The pedigree was consistent with co-segregation, indicating that the novel variation was pathogenic.The proband and her children were diagnosed, but her parents were phenotypically normal, in accordance with autosomal dominant inheritance. Conclusions:The novel frameshift variation c.415dupA (p.R139fs) on the exon 8 of PAX6 gene is responsible for congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract in the pedigree.This is the first report of this novel variation in PAX6 gene.

Ophthalmological evaluation and integrated intervention in a family with congenital aniridia in Alagoas, Brazil / Avaliação oftalmológica e intervenção integrada em família com aniridia congênita em Alagoas, Brasil

Abstract Objective: We aimed to describe the clinical and phenotypic manifestations as well as the visual prognosis of a family with CA in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 31 individuals (56 eyes) from the same family presenting CA phenotypes. The study population resided in the municipality of Água Branca, in the backlands of the state of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. The clinical and phenotypic variables were analyzed. For the analysis, descriptive statistics (absolute and relative frequency and measures of central tendency and dispersion) and inferential statistics (Shapiro-Wilk and Student's t tests) were used, with 95% confidence intervals and significance set at 5%. Results: Of the 31 individuals, 18 (58.1%) were male, with a mean age of 27.45 ± 17.49 years, with no difference between sexes. Of the 56 eyes evaluated, 26 and 30 were right and left eyes, respectively; 61.3% (n = 19) individuals had complete bilateral aniridia and 25.8% (n = 8) reported a total loss of light perception in both the eyes. The most prevalent ocular abnormalities were nystagmus (n = 27; 87.09%), cataract (n = 20; 64.5%), strabismus (n = 14; 45.2%), corneal changes such as opacities and/or vascularization (n = 13; 41.93%), and ectopia lentis (n = 6; 19.4%). Further, 13 individuals underwent retinal optical coherence tomography, six man and seven women aged 9-48 (mean, 30.15 ± 15.9) years. All patients presented absence of foveal depression as well as reduced macular thickness and visual acuity. Nine subjects underwent phacoemulsification. Conclusion: The study showed wide phenotypic variation among the studied individuals, with poor visual prognosis. The study highlights the need to establish comprehensive care mechanisms for families with the disease.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever manifestações clínicas e fenotípicas e o prognóstico visual de uma família com aniridia congênita (AC). Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal envolvendo 31 indivíduos (56 olhos), de uma mesma família com fenótipo de AC residindo no município de Água Branca, no sertão do estado de Alagoas, região nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisadas variáveis clínicas e fenotípicas. Para a análise, foi utilizada a estatística descritiva (frequência absoluta e relativa e medidas de tendência central e de dispersão) e inferencial (testes de Shapiro-Wilk e t Student). Considerou-se o intervalo de confiança de 95% e a significância de 5%. Resultados: Dos 31 indivíduos, 18 (58,1%) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 27,45±17,49, sem diferença entre os sexos. Dos 56 olhos avaliados, 26 eram olhos direitos e 30 olhos esquerdos: 61,3% (n=19) apresentavam aniridia bilateral total; 25,8% (n=8) referiam perda total de percepção da luz em ambos os olhos. As anormalidades oculares mais prevalentes foram o nistagmo (n=27; 87,09%), catarata (n=20; 64,5%), estrabismo 14 (45,2%), alterações opacidades ou vascularização corneanas (n=13; 41,93%) e ectopia lentis (n=6; 19,4%). Os 13 indivíduos submetidos à tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) retiniana apresentavam perda da depressão foveal, redução da espessura macular e redução da acuidade visual. Nove indivíduos foram submetidos a cirurgia de facoemulsificação. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou ampla variação fenotípica entre os indivíduos estudados, com pobre prognóstico visual. O estudo destaca a necessidade de estabelecer mecanismos de cuidado integral para as famílias com a doença.

Expression of Pax6 and Pax7 proteins during the central nervous system development in human embryos / Expresión de proteínas Pax6 y Pax7 durante el desarrollo del sistema central nervioso en embriones humanos

The family of paired box (Pax) genes encodes the transcription factors that have been emphasized for the particular importance to embryonic development of the CNS, with the evidence obtained from various animal models. Human embryos have rarely been available for the detection of the expression of Pax family members. In this study 32 human embryos of Carnegie (CS) stages 10-20 were investigated to find the differences in the expression of Pax6 and Pax7 proteins in different regions of the neural tube and the caudal spinal cord. The expression of Pax6 and Pax7, as determined by immunohistochemistry, showed a tendency to increase in the later stages of the development both in the spinal cord and the brain. Significantly weaker expression of Pax6 and Pax7 was observed at CS 10 as compared to the later stages. At CS 10-12 weak expression of Pax6 was noticed in both dorsal and ventral parts of the developing spinal cord, while the expression of Pax7 was restricted to the cells in the roof plate and the dorsal part of the spinal cord. At CS 14-20 in the developing spinal cord Pax6 and Pax7 were detected mostly in the neuroepithelial cells of the ventricular layer, while only weak expression characterized the mantle and the marginal layers. At the same stages in the developing brain Pax6 and Pax7 were expressed in the different regions of the forebrain, the midbrain and the hindbrain suggesting for their involvement in the differentiation of neurons in specific parts of the developing brain.

La familia de genes Pax del inglés (Paired box) codifica los factores de transcripción debido a la particular importancia en el desarrollo embrionario del SNC, con la evidencia obtenida de varios modelos animales. Rara vez han estado disponibles embriones humanos para la detección de la expresión de genes de la familia Pax. En este estudio, se investigaron 32 embriones humanos de Carnegie (CS) etapas 10-20 para encontrar las diferencias en la expresión de las proteínas Pax6 y Pax7 en diferentes regiones del tubo neural y la médula espinal caudal. La expresión de Pax6 y Pax7, según la inmunohistoquímica, se observó una tendencia a aumentar en las etapas posteriores del desarrollo, tanto en la médula espinal como en el cerebro. Se observó una expresión significativamente más débil de Pax6 y Pax7 en CS 10 en comparación con las etapas posteriores. En CS 10-12 se notó una expresión débil de Pax6 en las partes dorsal y ventral de la médula espinal en desarrollo, mientras que la expresión de Pax7 se limitó a células en la placa del techo y dorsal de la médula espinal. En CS 14-20 en la médula espinal en desarrollo, Pax6 y Pax7 se observó principalmente en las células neuroepiteliales de la capa ventricular, mientras que expresión débil se caracterizó en las capas marginales. En las mismas etapas en el cerebro en desarrollo, Pax6 y Pax7 se expresaron en las diferentes áreas del prosencéfalo, el mesencéfalo y el mesencéfalo, lo que sugiere su participación en la diferenciación de las neuronas en partes específicas del cerebro en desarrollo.

WAGRO syndrome: a rare genetic condition associated with aniridia and additional ophthalmologic abnormalities / Síndrome WAGRO: uma condição genética rara associada à aniridia e a anormalidades oftalmológicas adicionais

ABSTRACT Aniridia is a congenital eye disorder with a variable degree of hypoplasia or absence of iris tissue. It is caused by loss of function of the PAX6 gene and may be an isolated ocular abnormality or part of a syndrome. WAGRO refers to a rare genetic condition leading to Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, mental retardation, and obesity and is caused by a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 11 (11p), where the PAX6 gene is located. Here, we report on an 8-year-old boy with aniridia, polar cataract, and lens subluxation along with neuropsychomotor and speech delays. Karyotype evaluation showed an interstitial deletion including region 11p13-p14, confirming the diagnosis of WAGRO syndrome. In cases of aniridia, a diagnosis of WAGRO syndrome should be considered.

RESUMO A aniridia é uma doença ocular congênita com grau variável de hipoplasia ou ausência do tecido da íris. É causada pela perda de função do gene PAX6 e pode ser uma anormalidade ocular isolada ou parte de uma síndrome. WAGRO refere-se a uma condição genética rara que leva ao tumor de Wilms, aniridia, anomalias geniturinárias, déficit intelectual e obesidade e é causada por uma deleção do braço curto do cromossomo 11 (11p), onde o gene PAX6 está localizado. Aqui, nós relatamos um menino de 8 anos de idade com aniridia, catarata polar e subluxação do cristalino, além de retardo neuropsicomotor e de fala. A avaliação cariotípica revelou uma deleção intersticial envolvendo a região 11p13-p14, confirmando o diagnóstico da síndrome WAGRO. Em casos de aniridia, um diagnóstico de síndrome de WAGRO deve ser considerado.

Genetic screening of the congenital aniridia and genotype-phenotype analysis / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective@#To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation among 3 pedigrees affected with congenital aniridia.@*Methods@#Clinical data and genomic DNA were collected and genetic variations were screened by whole-exome sequencing, with an emphasis on PAX6-related genes.Suspected variations were verified by Sanger sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of each propositus prior to entering study cohort.This study protocol was approved by Ethic Committee of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECKY-2017(6)).@*Results@#Genetic analysis identified that a nonsense c. 949 C>T variation and an c. 141+ 1 G>T splicing variation of the PAX6 gene in two of the probands, while the remainder has carried a duplication in 11 p13 (chr11: 31531331-31827959) encompassing the PAX6 and ELP4 genes.Phenotype analysis showed that the probands carrying the nonsense and splicing variations had classical features including complete aniridia, macular hypoplasia, microcornea and nystagmus; the proband carrying the 11p13 duplication had microphthalmos, microcornea, macular dysplasia, iris dysgenesis, and nystagmus.@*Conclusions@#The 11p13 duplication involving the PAX6 gene may have caused over-expression of PAX6 gene, resulting in severe eye abnormalities including microphthalmos and microcornea, macular dysplasia and nystagmus.The relatively mild iris dysgenesis has distinguishing it from classical aniridia due to PAX6 haploinsufficiency.

Genotype-phenotype analysis in Peters' anomaly patients with PITX2 and PAX6 genes / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Peters' anomaly(PA)in Chinese, and to study the variation of PITX2 and PAX6 genes in patients with PA, so as to provide basis for clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis of this rare ophthalmopathy.<p>METHODS: Fifteen patients with PA were selected from 2016 to 2019 in Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital and Changzhou No. 3 People's Hospital, and the detailed clinical data were collected. Genomic DNA was prepared from venous leukocytes after obtaining the consent of the patients and their family members. The coding regions and the flanking exon-intron junctions of the PITX2 and PAX6 genes were amplified by polymerase-chain reaction(PCR)and subsequently analyzed by direct sequencing. Variations detected were further evaluated in any unaffected member and 80 normal controls by HA-SSCP. Analyzing and comparing the mutation of PITX2 and PAX6 genes and the related phenotypes in Chinese patients with PA.<p>RESULTS:Sequence analysis of the PITX2 gene revealed one novel mutation c.296delG(P.R99fsx56)in fifteen patients with PA. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that this mutation led to the functional abnormal of this gene. The clinical characteristics of the mutant patient were analyzed, the right eye of the patient was diagnosed as Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome(ARS), and the left eye was diagnosed as Peters'anomaly. However, the mutation was not found in the family members of the patient's parents and unrelated normal controls, and therefore it was a de novo mutation. No mutation was found in PAX6 gene mutation screening.<p>CONCLUSION: A novel PITX2 gene mutation was detected in 15 patients with PA, which was the first report of PITX2 gene mutation in a patient with Peters'anomaly complicated with ARS in China. The results enrich the mutation spectrum of PITX2 gene and further clarify the clinical characteristics of PA complicated with ARS. All these will be useful foundations for clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis. Furthermore, it enriches our knowledge of genotype-phenotype relationship of PA. In addition, our results may provide basis for the functional and genomic study of the pathogenesis of the disease in the future.

Mutation identification of PAX6 and prenatal diagnosis in a Chinese family with Aniridia and gestational diabetes / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To explore the genetic defects and prenatal diagnosis of a Chinese family with aniridia and gestational diabetes.<p>METHODS: We recruited a Chinese family with aniridia and gestational diabetes. Genomic DNA of the whole family individuals was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes. Encoding regions of the paired box 6(PAX6)gene was screened by PCR direct sequencing. Amniocentesis was carried out on the affected female at 18wk of gestation, and subsequently, genetics analysis was performed based on the result of mutation screening.<p>RESULTS: In this study, the patients with aniridia and congenital cataract carried a heterozygous deletion mutation(c.113_129del GGCCGTGCGACATTTCC, p.Arg38ProfsTer12)in exon 5 of PAX6. One of the patients was affected with diabetes while this lady also had gestational diabetes. The result of prenatal diagnosis suggested the fetus carried the same mutation and will be affected with the aniridia, which was confirmed by postpartum follow-up.<p>CONCLUSION: It was suggested that a reported deletion mutation in the PAX6 was identified again in a Chinese family with aniridia and congenital cataract. It contributed to more literature information for the human PAX6 allelic variant database and provided an analysis basis for prenatal diagnosis.

Mutation analysis of a family affected with congenital aniridia and congenital cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To identify the potential mutation in a Chinese family affected with congenital aniridia and cataract, which can expands the mutation spectrum of antosomal dominant congenital aniridia.<p>METHODS: A Chinese family with congenital aniridia and cataract and 100 unrelated controls were recruited, peripheral venous blood was collected for genomic DNA extraction. Candidate genes sequencing was performed by direct DNA sequencing to screen out the <i>PAX6 </i>mutation.<p>RESULTS: All affected individuals in the family showed aniridia and cataract. A novel non-sense mutation c.991 C>T in exon 11 of <i>PAX6</i> was exclusively observed in all affected individuals but not in any of the unaffected family members or unrelated controls, which results in the truncation of encoding protein(R331X). <p>CONCLUSION: We identified a novel mutation in the <i>PAX6</i> R331X, which may be responsible for the pathogenesis of congenital aniridia and cataract.

Identification of a novel frameshift mutation in PAX6 gene and the clinical management in an Asian Indian aniridia family

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize an Asian Indian aniridia family for both the phenotype and genotype of the disease for a better clinical management. Methods: The phenotype and genotype of the affected and unaffected individuals in the aniridia family were evaluated. The subjects underwent a standard ophthalmic evaluation followed by molecular screening of PAX6 gene in the peripheral blood for mutation detection. Results: The three affected individuals had aniridia with several common features and an uncommon presentation of bilateral congenital ptosis. Two affected siblings, a brother and a sister, had aniridia, nystagmus, ptosis, increase in central corneal thickness, cataract, and foveal hypoplasia. The sister had features of glaucoma. The offspring of the sister had all the features except cataract and rise in intraocular pressure. Mutation screening of PAX6 gene helped in identifying a novel heterozygous pathogenic variation g. 31801757dupG (c. 216-19dupG) that resulted in a frameshift mutation that extended into exon 7. Based on the evaluation and diagnostic testing, the family was clinically managed along with genetic counselling. Conclusion: Molecular diagnostic testing helps in genetic counseling of the family with aniridia to understand the nature of the disease and detection of complications early for better management.

Down-regulation of JAK1/STAT3 signal pathway by miR-34a in PAX6 affects invasion and migration of retinoblastoma / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-34a targeting PAX6 on JAK/STAT signaling pathway on invasion and metastasis of retinoblastoma.Methods:The expression of PAX6 in retinoblastoma tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of miR-34a in retinoblastoma cell line was detected by PCR.The effect of miR-34a on the expression of PAX6 was examined by the dual luciferase gene system.Transwell invasion assay and scratch test was used to detect the ability of invasion and migration in the retinoblastoma cell line Rb44 after overexpression miR-34a.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of JAK/STAT signal pathway after overexpression miR-34a.Results:The expression of PAX6 was significantly higher in retinoblastoma tissues than that in normal tissues.The miR-34a was lower in retinoblastoma tissues than that in normal tissues.Western blot analysis showed the lowest level of PAX6 in Rb44 retinoblastoma.The dual luciferase reporter gene system showed that miR-34a could directly regulate the transcriptional activity of PAX6.The ability of invasion and migration was inhibited after overexpression miR-34a.The expression level of PAX6 was down-regulated and the expression of JAK1/STAT3 protein were down-regulated after overexpression the miR-34a.Conclusion:miR-34a targets the expression of PAX6 and regulates the invasion and migration of retinoblastoma cells by JAK1/STAT3 signal pathway.

Disease genes detection of two anterior segment dysgenesis pedigree by whole exome sequence / 眼科新进展

Objective To identify the disease-causing gene mutation in families with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD).Methods Two ASD families coming from Henan and Hebei provinces were enrolled in this study.Ocular examinations were performed,and periphery blood specimens were collected from each family member under the informed consent.The blood samples of 2 patients and 1 normal person in family 1 and 1 patient and 1 normal person in family 2 were analyzed by the whole exome sequences.The candidate genes were verified by Sanger sequence and predicted damages by PolyPhen-2 and SIFT Human Splicing Finder software.Results Family 1 including 9 patients were examined in serial 3 passages,which conformed to autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.Clinical examination revealed binocular anterior segment dysgenesis in the 9 patients.There were 13 SNV and 55 InDel candidate mutations.And missense mutation c.T2A(p.M1K)on PAX6 gene was found.Family 2 included 8 members,and 2 patients were examined.The splicing mutation c.357 + 1g ＞ c on the same gene was found.Conclusion T2A(p.M1 K) and c.357 + 1 g ＞ c mutations in PAX6 gene are responsible for ASD.Whole exome sequence provides a new approach to detect diseasecausing mutation of ASD with diversity clinical phenotypes.

Effect of Qingguang'an Ⅱ on expression of PAX6, Ngn1 and Ngn2 mRNA of rats with chronic high intraocular pressure / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To remark the effect of Qingguang'an Ⅱ on expression of PAX6, Ngn1, and Ngn2 mRNA of rats with chronic high intraocular pressure.METHODS:Totally 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, that was:A:blank group, B:model group, C:Qingguang'an Ⅱ low dose group, D:Qingguang'an Ⅱ moderate dose group, E:Qingguang'an Ⅱ high dose group, F:Yimaikang disket group.B, C, D, E, F groups of experimental rats were established the model of chronic high intraocular pressure (IOP) by cauterizing of superficial scleral vein.Animal model was established successfully by using monitoring IOP consistently keep above 25mmHg for 8wk as cut-off criterion.Tissues of Eyes were obtained after intragastric administration for 2wk and 4wk.The expressions of PAX6, Ngn1, and Ngn2 mRNA were investigated by Real-time PCR.RESULTS:At the time-point of 2wk, PAX6, Ngn1, and Ngn2 mRNA in group B were statistically expressed in lower level comparing with other groups (P0.05).CONCLUSION:In summar, Qingguang'an Ⅱ and Yimaikang disket can remarkably increase the expressions of PAX6, Ngn1, and Ngn2, which suggest protecting the optic nerve of rats caused by chronic high IOP.What's more, this study indicated that, in the protection of optic nerve of rats with chronic high IOP, the high dose of Qingguang'an Ⅱ at the time-point of 4wk was the better choice.

A nonsense PAX6 mutation in a family with congenital aniridia / 소아과

Congenital aniridia is a rare ocular malformation that presents with severe hypoplasia of the iris and various ocular manifestations. Most cases of congenital aniridia are known to be related to mutations in the paired box gene-6 (PAX6), which is an essential gene in eye development. Herein, we report a familial case of autosomal dominant congenital aniridia with four affected members in 3 consecutive generations and describe the detailed ophthalmologic findings for one of these members. As expected, mutational analysis revealed a nonsense mutation (p.Ser122*) in the PAX6 gene. Thus, our findings reiterate the importance of PAX6 mutations in congenital aniridia.

Mutation analysis of Pax6 in Chinese patients with congenital aniridia / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Congenital aniridia is a rare congenital autosomal dominant disease,which is shown as aniridia of double eyes,and the paired box gene 6 (Pax6) gene mutation is now known to be associated with congenital aniridia.Objective This study was to screen the Pax6 gene mutation in patients with congenital aniridia.Methods Eleven patients with congenital aniridia were enrolled in Tianjin Eye Hospital from August 2012 to October 2015,including 6 patients from 3 congenital aniridia family and 5 sporadic patients.All patients received routine ophthalmic examination.Peripheral venous blood of 3 ml was collected from the patients for DNA extraction according to the standard process of DNA isolation instructions,and all the exons of Pax6 gene,Elp4 gene,exon 5 ' and 3',intron splice sequence and SIMO sequence were amplified by PCR.Pax6 genes of the patients were sequenced using Sanger direct sequencing and multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and compared with those of 500 ocular trauma patients.This study complied with Helsinki declaration,and written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to any medical examination.Results Iris absence was found in all the patients,and the visions acuity was hand motion to 0.2.Lens dislocation was seen in 1 patient.Direct sequencing results found that three patients in AN-O1 family were c.688g＞t (p.E230X) mutation of Pax6 gene,and 3 of 5 sporadic patients carried c.468g＞a (p.W156X),c.613c＞t (p.Q205X) and c.141 +2t＞c mutant of Pax6 gene,and the c.688g＞t (pE230X) mutation was a novel-discovered mutation.No any mutation in Pax6,Elp4 gene and SIMO fragment was detected in 1 patient from AN-02 family,2 patients from AN-03 family and 2 sporadic patients by both direct sequencing and MLPA validation.No above-mentioned mutation was found in 500 normal individuals.Conclusions The mutation of Pax6 gene is a pathogenic mutation in congenital aniridia patients,and c.688g＞t (p.E230X) is a novel Pax6 mutant,which expanded the mutation spectrum of Pax6 gene.

Clinical Features and Molecular Characteristics of Korean Patients with Congenital Aniridia

PURPOSE: To introduce clinical features and molecular characteristics of Korean patients with congenital aniridia. METHODS: Patients with iris hypoplasia were diagnosed clinically as congenital aniridia and were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and associated ocular abnormalities (including severity of iris hypoplasia, nystagmus, keratopathy, and foveal hypoplasia), and findings in optical coherence tomography were analyzed. PAX6 analysis,multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), genomic molecular karyotyping, and candidate gene sequencing were performed to detect genetic abnormalities. RESULTS: 28 patients from 18 families were included in the study. BCVA varied from hand motion to 20/25. No manifest nystagmus was found in 3 patients, but the rest of the patients had pendular horizontal nystagmus. Keratopathy was found in 23 patients, cataracts in 12 patients, and glaucoma in 4 patients. All patients had foveal hypoplasia, including one case with a subtle phenotype. The PAX6 mutation was detected in 13 families out of 18;2 (p.Trp162Leufs*38,p.Gly409Arg) were novel,3 families had the miss ensemutation, and 3 families had alargedeletion in the PAX6 gene. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds 2 novel PAX6 mutations related to congenital aniridia to those previously reported. Congenital aniridia is a serious, sight-threatening ocular malformation, but central vision and the degree of iris hypoplasia were highly variable. The PAX6 mutation was detected in 72% of the patients in this study, and there were no specific clinical features differentiating aniridia with and without PAX6 mutations.

Effects of Morroniside on Wnt Signaling-related Transcription Factors in Ischemic Ipsilateral Cortex of Rats after Cerebral Ischemiareperfusion / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To study the effects of morroniside on the expression of Wnt signaling-related transcription factors neurogenin 2 (Ngn2), Pax6 and Tbr2 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex 7 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=3), ischemia group (n=3), and morroniside groups (low, medium and high dosage groups, n=3). The middle cerebral artery were occluded for 30 min, and re-perfused. Morroniside was administered intragastrically once a day at dose of 30 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg 3 hours after operation. The expression of Ngn2, Pax6 and Tbr2 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex were detected with Western blotting analysis 7 days after operation. Results The expression of Ngn2 increased in the ischemia group compared with the sham group (P<0.05), and it further increased the morroniside groups of medium and high dosage compared with the ischemia group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the ischemia group and sham group in the expression of Pax6, while it increased the morroniside groups of medium and high dosage compared with the ischemia group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference among all the groups in the expression of Tbr2. Conclusion Morroniside could increase the expression of Ngn2 and Pax6 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion in rats, suggesting promoting the neurogenesis after ischemia.

Effects of Morroniside on Wnt Signaling-related Transcription Factors in Ischemic Ipsilateral Cortex of Rats after Cerebral Isch-emia-reperfusion / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To study the effects of morroniside on the expression of Wnt signaling-related transcription factors neurogenin 2 (Ngn2), Pax6 and Tbr2 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex 7 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Methods 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=3), ischemia group (n=3), and morroniside groups (low, medium and high dosage groups, n=3). The middle cerebral artery were occluded for 30 min, and re-perfused. Morroniside was administered intragastrically once a day at dose of 30 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg 3 hours after operation. The expression of Ngn2, Pax6 and Tbr2 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex were detected with Western blotting analysis 7 days after operation. Results The expression of Ngn2 increased in the ischemia group compared with the sham group (P<0.05), and it further increased the morroniside groups of medium and high dosage compared with the ischemia group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the ischemia group and sham group in the expression of Pax6, while it increased the morroniside groups of medium and high dosage compared with the ischemia group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference among all the groups in the expression of Tbr2. Conclusion Morroniside could increase the expression of Ngn2 and Pax6 in the ischemic ipsilateral cortex 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion in rats, suggesting promoting the neurogenesis after ischemia.

Expression and interaction mechanism of PAX6 in human non-small cell lung cancer / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:The transcription factor PAX6 is primarily expressed in embryos. PAX6 is also expressed in several tumors and plays oncogenic or tumor suppressor role. This study aimed to investigate the expression of PAX 6 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor samples and cell lines; and evaluate the effects of PAX6 on the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and the expression level of cyclin E and p38.Methods:Western blot was carried out to detect the PAX6 protein level in 86 NSCLC tumor tissues, paired adjacent normal tissues and 2 cell lines. PAX6 siRNA was transfected into human lung cancer A549 cell line. Anchorage-independent growth and invasiveness of tumor cells were measured by MTT and transwell cell invasion assay, respectively. Cyclin E and p38 protein level before and after transfection were detected by western blot.Results:Comparison with tumor adjacent tissues and normal human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE, PAX6 in NSCLC tissues and A549 cell lines was signiifcantly higher expression. After transfection with efifcient sequence of PAX6 siRNA for A549 cell lines, the down expression of PAX6 inhibits tumor cell proliferation, the proportion of cells in G1 phase increased, the cell invasion and migration decreased remarkably. Cyclin E and p38 activity was inhibited inPAX6 knockdown cells.Conclusion:PAX6 accelerate cell cycle progression by activating cyclin E and p38. PAX6 is a potential target for diagnosis and therapy.

Research progress of the association between PAX6 gene and retinal diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

PAX6 gene plays an important role in embryological development, and the mutation of this gene may result incongenital aniridia, retinoblastoma, macula hypoplasia, Peters' anomaly and so on. A brief introduction of the background PAX6 gene, and the association between PAX6 and retinal diseases were summarized in this review.