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Jam2 Variants Can Be More Common in Primary Familial Brain Calcification (Pfbc) Cases Than Those Appear; May Be Due to a Founder Mutation Publisher



Khojasteh M1 ; Soleimani P1 ; Ghasemi A2 ; Taghizadeh P3 ; Rohani M4 ; Alavi A1, 2
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Neurology, Hazrat Rasool Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Neurological Sciences Published:2024


Abstract

Introduction: Mutations in JAM2 have been linked to ~ 2% of primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) cases. PFBC is a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive calcium deposition in the brain. It causes movement disorders and psychiatric problems. Six other genes were identified as causing PFBC. However, the genetic basis of ~ 50% of PFBC cases remains unknown. This study presented the results of a comprehensive analysis of five unrelated Iranian PFBC families. Methods: Clinical and paraclinical features of all patients were recorded. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was done on the DNAs of probands. Data was analyzed, and haplotypes were determined. Results: WES identified two homozygous variants in JAM2 across four families: a novel variant, c.426dup:p.Ser143Leufs*23, in one family and a known mutation, c.685C > T:p.Arg229*, in the remaining three families. Haplotype analysis using six intragenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in JAM2 revealed an identical haplotype in probands who carried the same mutation, whereas two other probands presented diverse haplotypes. Conclusion: Based on our results, p.Arg229* may be a founder mutation in the Iranian population. The variant has been detected in two out of seven other reported JAM2-related families who may originate from the Middle East and exhibit an identical haplotype. Even though this particular mutation may not be classified as a founder mutation, it does appear to be a hotspot, given that it has been observed in 45% of the 11 JAM2-associated families. Our study expanded the clinical features and mutation spectrum of JAM2 and revealed that mutations in JAM2 may be more common than previously reported. © Fondazione Societa Italiana di Neurologia 2024.
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