Identification of two novel mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: mass spectrometric and genomic analyses

J Neurol Sci. 2004 Mar 15;218(1-2):79-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2003.11.003.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. The majority of patients are sporadic cases, while 5-10% of the patients have a family history of ALS (fALS). Mutations in the gene that encodes cytoplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) have been identified in about 25% of fALS cases. Although the precise pathogenesis of ALS is still unknown, experimental studies including animal models suggest that fALS is caused by the toxic gain-of-function of the SOD1 mutant. We have analyzed not only SOD1 gene mutation by genomic sequencing, but also SOD1 mutant protein by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). We analyzed 33 fALS patients and found 10 mutations in SOD1 gene, in which two were novel: Asp101His substitution in exon 4 and Gly141Glu substitution in exon 5. Here, we present their mass spectrometric protein analyses and clinical features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / etiology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Aspartic Acid / genetics
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Exons
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Glutamic Acid / genetics
  • Glycine / genetics
  • Histidine / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Biology / methods
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Precipitin Tests / methods
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics*

Substances

  • Aspartic Acid
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Histidine
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Glycine