Clinical evaluation and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in two Chinese families with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss

We report here the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of two Chinese pedigrees with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing impairment. Clinical evaluation revealed the variable phenotype of hearing impairment including audiometric configuration in these subjects. Penetrances of hearing loss in BJ105 and BJ106 pedigrees are 67% and 33%, respectively. In particular, three of 10 affected matrilineal relatives of BJ105 pedigree had aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss, while seven affected matrilineal relatives in BJ105 pedigree and six affected matrilineal relatives in BJ106 pedigree did not have a history of exposure to aminoglycosides. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in these pedigrees showed the identical homoplasmic A1555G mutation and distinct sets of mtDNA variants belonging to haplogroups F3 and M7b. These variants showed no evolutionary conservation, implying that mitochondrial haplotype may not play a significant role in the phenotypic expression of the A1555G mutation in these Chinese pedigrees. However, aminoglycosides and nuclear backgrounds appear to be major modifier factors for the phenotypic manifestation of the A1555G mutation in these Chinese families.     

Extremely low penetrance of hearing loss in four Chinese families with the mitochondrial 12S rRNA A1555G mutation

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found to be associated with sensorineural hearing loss. We report here the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of four Chinese pedigrees with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing impairment. Clinical evaluation revealed the variable phenotype of hearing impairment including audiometric configuration in these subjects, although these subjects share some common features: bilateral and sensorineural hearing impairment. Strikingly, these Chinese pedigrees exhibited extremely low penetrance of hearing loss (5.2%, 4.8%, 4.2%, and 13.3%, respectively, and with an average 8% penetrance). In particular, four of all five affected matrilineal relatives of these pedigrees had aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in these pedigrees showed the distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphism, in addition to the identical homoplasmic A1555G mutation, associated with hearing impairment in many families from different genetic backgrounds. The fact that mtDNA of those pedigrees belonged to different haplogroups R9a, N9a, D4a, and D4 suggested that the A1555G mutation occurred sporadically and multiplied through evolution of the mtDNA in China. However, there was the absence of functionally significant mutations in tRNA and rRNAs or secondary LHON mutations in these Chinese families. These data imply that the nuclear background or/and mitochondrial haplotype may not play a significant role in the phenotypic expression of the A1555G mutation in these Chinese pedigrees. However, aminoglycoside appears to be a major modifier factor for the phenotypic manifestation of the A1555G mutation in these Chinese families.     

线粒体DNA G7444A突变可能影响A1555G突变的表型表达

线粒体12S rRNA和tRNASer(UCN) 基因是导致非综合征型听力损失的两个突变热点区域。作者收集了1个母系遗传感音神经性聋家系, 该家系同时携带线粒体DNA (mtDNA) A1555G和G7444A突变。临床资料分析表明, 该家系包括药物致聋的耳聋外显率(所有耳聋患者/所有母系成员)为58%, 而非药物致聋的耳聋外显率(非药物性聋患者/所有母系成员)为25%, 明显高于其他携带A1555G突变的耳聋家系。先证者的线粒体全序列分析表明, 该线粒体基因组共有28个多态位点, 属于东亚人群B4c1单体型。在这些多态位点中, 除A1555G和G7444A突变外, 未发现其他有功能意义的突变。这表明mtDNA G7444A突变可能加重由A1555G突变造成的线粒体功能缺失, 从而增加耳聋的外显率。     

Molecular and Clinical Characterization of the Variable Phenotype in Korean Families with Hearing Loss Associated with the Mitochondrial A1555G Mutation

Hearing loss, which is genetically heterogeneous, can be caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The A1555G mutation of the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene in the mtDNA has been associated with both aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss in many ethnic populations. Here, we report for the first time the clinical and genetic characterization of nine Korean pedigrees with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss. These Korean families carry in the A1555G mutation of 12S rRNA gene and exhibit variable penetrance and expressivity of hearing loss. Specifically, the penetrance of hearing loss in these families ranged between 28.6% and 75%, with an average of 60.8%. These results were higher than the 29.8% penetrance that was previously reported in a Chinese population but similar to the 65.4% and 54.1% penetrance observed in a large Arab-Israeli population and nineteen Spanish pedigrees, respectively. The mutational analysis of the complete mtDNA genome in these families showed that the haplogroups of the Korean population, which belongs to the eastern Asian population, were similar to those of the Chinese population but different from the Spanish population, which belongs to the European-Caucasian population. The mtDNA variants that may act as modifier factors were also found to be similar to the Chinese population. Although the mtDNA haplogroups and variants were similar to the eastern Asian population, we did find some differing phenotypes, although some subjects had the same variants. This result suggests that both the ethnic background and environmental factors lead to a variable phenotype of the A1555G mutation.     

Extremely low penetrance of deafness associated with the mitochondrial 12S rRNA mutation in 16 Chinese families: implication for early detection and prevention of deafness

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found to be associated with sensorineural hearing loss. We report here the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of 16 Chinese pedigrees (a total of 246 matrilineal relatives) with aminoglycoside-induced impairment. Clinical evaluation revealed the variable phenotype of hearing impairment including audiometric configuration in these subjects, although these subjects share some common features: being bilateral and sensorineural hearing impairment. Strikingly, these Chinese pedigrees exhibited extremely low penetrance of hearing loss, ranging from 4% to 18%, with an average of 8%. In particular, nineteen of 246 matrilineal relatives in these pedigrees had aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. Mutational analysis of the mtDNA in these pedigrees showed the presence of homoplasmic 12S rRNA A1555G mutation, which has been associated with hearing impairment in many families worldwide. The extremely low penetrance of hearing loss in these Chinese families carrying the A1555G mutation strongly supports the notion that the A1555G mutation itself is not sufficient to produce the clinical phenotype. Children carrying the A1555G mutation are susceptible to the exposure of aminoglycosides, thereby inducing or worsening hearing impairment, as in the case of these Chinese families. Using those genetic and molecular approaches, we are able to diagnose whether children carry the ototoxic mtDNA mutation. Therefore, these data have been providing valuable information and technology to predict which individuals are at risk for ototoxicity, to improve the safety of aminoglycoside therapy, and eventually to decrease the incidence of deafness.     

Coexistence of mitochondrial 12S rRNA C1494T and CO1/tRNA(Ser(UCN)) G7444A mutations in two Han Chinese pedigrees with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA are one of the important causes of hearing loss. We report here the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of two Han Chinese pedigrees with maternally transmitted aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic bilateral hearing loss. Clinical evaluation revealed the wide range of severity, age-at-onset, and audiometric configuration of hearing impairment in matrilineal relatives in these families. The penetrances of hearing loss in these pedigrees were 20% and 18%, when aminoglycoside-induced deafness was included. When the effect of aminoglycosides was excluded, the penetrances of hearing loss in these seven pedigrees were 10% and 15%. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in these pedigrees showed the presence of the deafness-associated 12S rRNA C1494T and CO1/tRNA(Ser(UCN)) G7444A mutations. Their distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphism belonged to Eastern Asian haplogroup C4a1, while other previously identified six Chinese mitochondrial genomes harboring the C1494T mutation belong to haplogroups D5a2, D, R, and F1, respectively. This suggested that the C1494T or G7444A mutation occurred sporadically and multiplied through evolution of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The absence of functionally significant mutations in tRNA and rRNAs or secondary LHON mutations in their mtDNA suggest that these mtDNA haplogroup-specific variants may not play an important role in the phenotypic expression of the 12S rRNA C1494T and CO1/tRNA(Ser(UCN)) G7444A mutations in those Chinese families. However, aminoglycosides and other nuclear modifier genes play a modifying role in the phenotypic manifestation of the C1494T mutation in these Chinese families.     

Maternally inherited aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss is associated with the 12S rRNA C1494T mutation in three Han Chinese pedigrees

We report here the clinical, genetic and molecular characterization of three Han Chinese pedigrees with maternally transmitted aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic bilateral hearing loss. Clinical evaluation revealed the wide range of severity, age-at-onset and audiometric configuration of hearing impairment in matrilineal relatives in these families. The penetrances of hearing loss in these pedigrees were 28%, 20%, and 15%, with an average of 21%, when aminoglycoside-induced deafness was included. When the effect of aminoglycosides was excluded, the penetrances of hearing loss in these seven pedigrees were 21%, 13% and 8%, with an average of 14%. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in these pedigrees showed the presence of the deafness-associated 12S rRNA C1494T mutation, in addition to distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphism belonging to Eastern Asian haplogroups F1a1, F1a1 and D5a2, respectively. This suggested that the C1494T mutation occurred sporadically and multiplied through evolution of the mtDNA. The absence of functionally significant mutations in tRNA and rRNAs or secondary LHON mutations in their mtDNA suggests that these mtDNA haplogroup-specific variants may not play an important role in the phenotypic expression of the C1494T mutation in those Chinese families. In addition, the lack of significant mutation in the GJB2 gene ruled out the possible involvement of GJB2 in the phenotypic expression of the C1494T mutation in those affected subjects. However, aminoglycosides and other nuclear modifier genes play a modifying role in the phenotypic manifestation of the C1494T mutation in these Chinese families.     

Mitochondrial haplotype and phenotype of 13 Chinese families may suggest multi-original evolution of mitochondrial C1494T mutation

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with sensorineural hearing loss. In this study, we traced the origin of the 12S rRNA C1494T mutation through analysis of the clinical, genetic, and molecular characteristics of 13 Han Chinese pedigrees with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic bilateral hearing loss that were selected by C1494T screening in 3133 subjects with non-syndromic hearing impairment from 27 regions of China (13/3133). Clinical evaluation revealed the variable phenotypes of hearing impairment including severity, age-of-onset, and audiometric configuration in these subjects. Through the whole mitochondrial genome DNA sequence analysis, we identified two evolutionarily conservative variants in protein-coding genes: tRNA^Ala T 5628C and tRNA^Tyr A5836G mutations. However, the pedigrees with these mutations did not have a higher or lower penetrance of deafness than in other pedigrees. These results suggested that both T 5628C and A5836G mutations might not significantly modify the manifestation of the C1494T mutation. Sequencing analysis of the whole mitochondrial genome of the probands showed that 13 pedigrees from seven different provinces were classified into 10 haplogroups by the distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphisms, including haplogroups A, B, D, D4, D4b2, F1, M, M7c, N9a1, and H2b. This result suggested that the C1494T mutation occurred sporadically with multi-origins through the evolution of the mtDNA in China, and these mtDNA haplogroup-specific variants may not play an important role in the phenotypic expression of the C1494T mutation in these Chinese families with different penetrance of hearing loss. In addition, the lack of a significant mutation in the GJB2 gene ruled out the possible involvement of GJB2 in the phenotypic expression of the C1494T mutation in those affected subjects. Therefore, the aminoglycosides is solo well-established factor to contribute to the deafness manifestation of the C1494T mutation, and prevention by avoiding the administration of aminoglycosides in individuals carrying C1494T mutation is the most effective way to protect their vulnerability to deafness.     

Mitochondrial haplotypes may modulate the phenotypic manifestation of the deafness-associated 12S rRNA 1555A>G mutation

Mitochondrial 12S rRNA 1555A>G mutation is one of the important causes of aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic deafness. Our previous investigations showed that the A1555G mutation was a primary factor underlying the development of deafness but was insufficient to produce deafness phenotype. However, it has been proposed that mitochondrial haplotypes modulate the phenotypic manifestation of the 1555A>G mutation. Here, we performed systematic and extended mutational screening of 12S rRNA gene in a cohort of 1742 hearing-impaired Han Chinese pediatric subjects from Zhejiang Province, China. Among these, 69 subjects with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic deafness harbored the homoplasmic 1555A>G mutation. These translated to a frequency of ～3.96% for the 1555A>G mutation in this hearing–impaired population. Clinical and genetic characterizations of 69 Chinese families carrying the 1555A>G mutation exhibited a wide range of penetrance and expressivity of hearing impairment. The average penetrances of deafness were 29.5% and 17.6%, respectively, when aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss was included or excluded. Furthermore, the average age-of-onset for deafness without aminoglycoside exposure ranged from 5 and 30 years old, with the average of 14.5 years. Their mitochondrial genomes exhibited distinct sets of polymorphisms belonging to ten Eastern Asian haplogroups A, B, C, D, F, G, M, N, R and Y, respectively. These indicated that the 1555A>G mutation occurred through recurrent origins and founder events. The haplogroup D accounted for 40.6% of the patient’s mtDNA samples but only 25.8% of the Chinese control mtDNA samples. Strikingly, these Chinese families carrying mitochondrial haplogroup B exhibited higher penetrance and expressivity of hearing loss. In addition, the mitochondrial haplogroup specific variants: 15927G>A of haplogroup B5b, 12338T>C of haplogroup F2, 7444G>A of haplogroup B4, 5802T>C, 10454T>C, 12224C>T and 11696G>A of D4 haplogroup, 5821G>A of haplogroup C, 14693A>G of haplogroups Y2 and F, and 15908T>C of Y2 may enhance the penetrace of hearing loss in these Chinese families. Moreover, the absence of mutation in nuclear modifier gene TRMU suggested that TRMU may not be a modifier for the phenotypic expression of the 1555A>G mutation in these Chinese families. These observations suggested that mitochondrial haplotypes modulate the variable penetrance and expressivity of deafness among these Chinese families.     

The ND4 G11696A mutation may influence the phenotypic manifestation of the deafness-associated 12S rRNA A1555G mutation in a four-generation Chinese family

We report here the clinical, genetic and molecular characterization of a large Han Chinese family with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. The penetrance of hearing loss (affected matrilineal relatives/total matrilineal relatives) in this pedigree was 53%, when aminoglycoside-induced deafness was included. When the effect of aminoglycosides was excluded, the penetrance of hearing loss in this pedigree was 42%. These matrilineal relatives exhibited a wide range of severity of hearing loss, varying from profound to normal hearing. Furthermore, these affected matrilineal relatives shared some common features: bilateral hearing loss of high frequencies and symmetries. Sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the pedigree identified the homoplasmic 12S rRNA A1555G mutation and other 35 variants belonging to Eastern Asian haplogroup D4. Of these, the V313I (G11696A) mutation in ND4 was associated with vision loss. However, the extremely low penetrance of visual loss, and the mild biochemical defect and the presence of one/167 Chinese controls indicted that the G11696A mutation is itself not sufficient to produce a clinical phenotype. Thus, the G11696A mutation may act in synergy with the primary deafness-associated 12S rRNA A1555G mutation in this Chinese family, thereby increasing the penetrance and expressivity of hearing loss in this Chinese pedigree.     

线粒体tRNAThr G15927A突变可能影响耳聋相关的12S rRNA A1555G突变的表型表达

摘要: 对1个中国汉族耳聋家系进行了临床和分子遗传学特征分析。家系中听力下降的母系成员表现为程度不等、听力图形态不同的听力损害, 但同为双侧对称的感觉神经性耳聋。该家系耳聋外显率很高, 包括药物致聋的耳聋外显率为75%, 而非药物致聋的外显率为41.7%。对母系成员进行线粒体DNA(mtDNA)全序列扩增分析, 发现了耳聋相关12S rRNA A1555G同质性突变位点和多态性位点, 属于东亚人群B5b单体型。在这些变异位点中, mtDNA 15927位点的G-A碱基变化破坏tRNA^Thr反密码子结构上十分保守的C-G碱基对, 这可能加重由A1555G突变造成的线粒体功能缺陷。这表明tRNAThrG15927A突变可能增强携带12S rRNA A1555G的中国汉族耳聋家系的外显率和表现度。     

Mitochondrial 12S rRNA mutations associated with aminoglycoside ototoxicity

The mitochondrial 12S rRNA is a hot spot for mutations associated with both aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. Of those, the homoplasmic 1555A>G and 1494C>T mutations at the highly conserved decoding region of the 12S rRNA have been associated with hearing loss worldwide. In particular, these two mutations account for a significant number of cases of aminoglycoside ototoxicity. The 1555A>G or 1494C>T mutation is expected to form a novel 1494C-G1555 or 1494U-A1555 base-pair at the highly conserved A-site of 12S rRNA. These transitions make the human mitochondrial ribosomes more bacteria-like and alter binding sites for aminoglycosides. As a result, the exposure to aminoglycosides can induce or worsen hearing loss in individuals carrying one of these mutations. Biochemical characterization demonstrated an impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis and subsequent defects in respiration in cells carrying the A1555G or 1494C>T mutation. Furthermore, a wide range of severity, age-at-onset and penetrance of hearing loss was observed within and among families carrying these mutations. Nuclear modifier genes, mitochondrial haplotypes and aminoglycosides should modulate the phenotypic manifestation of the 12S rRNA 1555A>G and 1494C>T mutations. Therefore, these data provide valuable information and technology: (1) to predict which individuals are at risk for ototoxicity; (2) to improve the safety of aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy; and (3) eventually to decrease the incidence of hearing loss.     

Clinical and molecular analysis of a four-generation Chinese family with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss associated with the mitochondrial 12S rRNA C1494T mutation

We report here the clinical, genetic, and molecular characterization of a four-generation Chinese family with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. Five of nine matrilineal relatives had aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. These matrilineal relatives exhibited variable severity and audiometric configuration of hearing impairment, despite sharing some common features: being bilateral and having sensorineural hearing impairment. Sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the pedigree identified 16 variants and the homoplasmic 12S rRNA C1494T mutation, which was associated with hearing loss in the other large Chinese family. In fact, the occurrence of the C1494T mutation in these genetically unrelated pedigrees affected by hearing impairment strongly indicated that this mutation is involved in the pathogenesis of aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. However, incomplete penetrance of hearing loss indicated that the C1494T mutation itself is not sufficient to produce a clinical phenotype but requires the involvement of modifier factors for the phenotypic expression. Those mtDNA variants, showing no evolutional conservation, may not have a potential modifying role in the pathogenesis of the C1494T mutation. However, nuclear background seems to contribute to the phenotypic variability of matrilineal relatives in this family. Furthermore, aminoglycosides modulate the expressivity and penetrance of deafness associated with the C1494T mutation in this family.     

7例携带线粒体tRNAAlaC5601T突变的Leber遗传性视神经病变家系的相关研究

文章收集了7例携带线粒体tRNAAl。C5601T突变的中国Leber遗传性视神经病变(Leber’s hereditary opticneuropathy,LHON)的家系,通过眼科检查和遗传学分析,发现7个家系的外显率很低,分别为9.5%、14.3%、4.5%、8.3%、10.0%、22.2%和25.0%。用24对有部分重叠的引物对7个先证者线粒体DNA(Mitochondrial DNA,mtDNA)全序列进行扩增,并进行相关的分子生物学分析,结果发现这些家系均未携带G11778A、G3460A和T14484C这3个常见的原发突变位点,而在tRNAAla上发现了C5601T同质性突变,多态性位点分析分别属于东亚线粒体单体型G2、G2a1、G2a1、G2、G2b、G2a1、G2。C5601T突变位于线粒体tRNAAla的高度保守区(通用位点为59位),可能引起tRNA空间结构和稳定性发生改变,继而影响tRNA的代谢,导致线粒体蛋白和ATP合成障碍,最终导致视力损害。因此,tRNAAlaC5601T突变可能是与LHON相关的线粒体突变位点。同时低外显率提示其他因素(包括核修饰基因、环境因素)可能影响这7个中国C5601T突变家系的表型表达。     

Co-occurrence of A1555G and G11778A in a Chinese family with high penetrance of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

Co-occurrence of double pathogenic mtDNA mutations with different claimed pathological roles in one mtDNA is infrequent. It is tentative to believe that each of these pathogenic mutations would have its own deleterious effect. Here we reported one three-generation Chinese family with a high penetrance of LHON (78.6%). Analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome in the proband revealed the presence of the LHON primary mutation G11778A in the NADH dehydrogenase 4 (ND4) gene and a deafness-associated mutation A1555G in the 12S rRNA gene. The other mtDNA variants in this family suggested a haplogroup status G2b. Although A1555G has long been confirmed to be a primary mutation for aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss, none of the maternally related members in this family showed hearing impairment. It thus seems that the occurrence of A1555G in this family had no pathological manifestation. However, whether A1555G has a synergistic effect with G11778A and contribute to the high penetrance of LHON remained an open question. To our knowledge, this is the first report that identified the co-existence of a deafness mutation A1555G and a primary LHON mutation G11778A in one family.     

The coexistence of mitochondrial ND6 T14484C and 12S rRNA A1555G mutations in a Chinese family with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and hearing loss

We report here the clinical, genetic and molecular characterization of one three-generation Han Chinese family with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and hearing loss. Four of 14 matrilineal relatives exhibited the moderate central vision loss at the average age of 12.5 years. Of these, one subject exhibited both LHON and mild hearing impairment. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes in the pedigree showed the presence of homoplasmic LHON-associated ND6 T14484C mutation, deafness-associated 12S rRNA A1555 mutation and 47 other variants belonging to Eastern Asian haplogroup H2. None of other mitochondrial variants was evolutionarily conserved and functional significance. Therefore, the coexistence of the A1555G mutation and T14484C mutations in this Chinese family indicate that the A1555G mutation may play a synergistic role in the phenotypic manifestation of LHON associated ND6 T14484C mutation. However, the incomplete penetrance of vision and hearing loss suggests the involvement of nuclear modifier genes and environmental factors in the phenotypic expression of these mtDNA mutations.     

Mitochondrial tRNAGlu 14693G variant may modulate the phenotypic manifestation of deafness-associated 12S rRNA A1555G mutation in a Hah Chinese family

Mutations in mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene are one of the most important causes of aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. Here we report the characterization of one Han Chinese pedigree with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss.This Chinese family carrying the 12S rRNA A1555G mutation exhibited high penetrance and expressivity of hearing impairment. In particular, penetrances of hearing loss in this family pedigree were 43.8% and 25%, respectively, when aminoglycoside-induced heating loss was included or excluded. Mutational analysis of entire mitochondrial genomes in this family showed the homoplasmic A1555G mutation and a set of variants belonging to haplogroup Y2. Of these, the A14693G variant occurred at the extremely conserved nucleotide (conventional position 54) of the TψC-loop of tRNAGlu and was absent in 156 Chinese controls. Nucleotides at position 54 of tRNAs are often modified, thereby contributing to the structural formation and stabilization of functional tRNAs. Thus, the structural alteration of tRNA by the A14693G variant may lead to a failure in tRNA metabolism and impair mitochondrial protein synthesis, thereby worsening mitochondrial dysfunctions altered by the A1555G mutation. Therefore, the tRNAalu A14693G variant may have a potential modifier role in increasing the penetrance and expressivity of the deafness-associated AI555G mutation in this Chinese pedigree.     

Mitochondrial tRNA^Glu A14693G variant may modulate the phenotypic manifestation of deafness-associated 12S rRNA A1555G mutation in a Han Chinese family

Mutations in mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene are one of the most important causes of aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. Here we report the characterization of one Han Chinese pedigree with aminoglycoside-induced and nonsyndromic hearing loss. This Chinese family carrying the 12S rRNA A1555G mutation exhibited high penetrance and expressivity of heating impairment. In particular, penetrances of hearing loss in this family pedigree were 43.8% and 25%, respectively, when aminoglycoside-induced heating loss was included or excluded. Mutational analysis of entire mitochondrial genomes in this family showed the homoplasmic A1555G mutation and a set of variants belonging to haplogroup Y2. Of these, the A14693G variant occurred at the extremely conserved nucleotide （conventional position 54） of the TψC-loop of tRNA^Clu and was absent in 156 Chinese controls. Nucleotides at position 54 of tRNAs are often modified, thereby contributing to the structural formation and stabilization of functional tRNAs. Thus, the structural alteration of tRNA by the A14693G variant may lead to a failure in tRNA metabolism and impair mitochondrial protein synthesis, thereby worsening mitochondrial dysfunctions altered by the A1555G mutation. Therefore, the tRNA^Glu A14693G variant may have a potential modifier role in increasing the penetrance and expressivity of the deafness-associated A1555G mutation in this Chinese pedigree.     

A reappraisal of complete mtDNA variation in East Asian families with hearing impairment

In a number of recent studies, we summarized the obvious errors and shortcomings that can be spotted in many (if not most) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data sets published in medical genetics. We have reanalyzed here the complete mtDNA genome data published in various recent reports of East Asian families with hearing impairment, using a phylogenetic approach, in order to demonstrate the persistence of lab-specific mistakes in mtDNA genome sequencing in cases where those caveats were (deliberately) neglected. A phylogenetic reappraisal of complete mtDNAs with mutation A1555G (or G11778A) indeed supports the suggested lack of association between haplogroup background and phenotypic presentation of these mutations in East Asians. In contrast, the claimed pathogenicity of mutation T1095C in Chinese families with hearing impairment seems unsupported, basically because this mutation is rather basal in the mtDNA phylogeny, being specific to haplogroup M11 in East Asia. The roles of other haplogroup specific or associated variants, such as A827G, T961C, T1005C, in East Asian subjects with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss are also unclear in view of the known mtDNA phylogeny.     

Mutational analysis of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene in Chinese pediatric subjects with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been found to be associated with sensorineural hearing loss. We report here a systematic mutational screening of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene in 128 Chinese pediatric subjects with sporadic aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss. We show that aminoglycoside ototoxicity accounts for 48% of cases of hearing loss in this Chinese pediatric population. Of the known deafness-associated mutations in this gene, the incidence of the A1555G mutation is ~13% and ~2.9% in this Chinese pediatric population with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss, respectively. Furthermore, mutations at position 961 in the 12S rRNA gene account for ~1.7% and 4.4% of cases of aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss in this Chinese clinical population, respectively. The T1095C mutation has been identified in one maternally inherited family with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss. However, the C1494T mutation was not detected in this clinical population. In addition, three variants, A827G, T1005C and A1116G, in the 12S rRNA gene, localized at highly conserved sites, may play a role in the pathogenesis of aminoglycoside ototoxicity. These data strongly suggest that the mitochondrial 12S rRNA is a hot-spot for deafness-associated mutations in the Chinese population.Z. Li and R. Li contributed equally to this work.