Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P01189 (beta-endorphin)
 21,003 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Triple-A syndrome (MIM 231550; also known as Allgrove syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia of the oesophageal cardia and alacrima. Whereas several lines of evidence indicate that triple-A syndrome results from the abnormal development of the autonomic nervous system, late-onset progressive neurological symptoms (including cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and mild dementia) suggest that the central nervous system may be involved in the disease as well. Using fine-mapping based on linkage disequilibrium in North African inbred families, we identified a short ancestral haplotype on chromosome 12q13 (<1 cM), sequenced a BAC contig encompassing the triple-A minimal region and identified a novel gene (AAAS) encoding a protein of 547 amino acids that is mutant in affected individuals. We found five homozygous truncating mutations in unrelated patients and ascribed the founder effect in North African families to a single splice-donor site mutation that occurred more than 2,400 years ago. The predicted product of AAAS, ALADIN (for alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder), belongs to the WD-repeat family of regulatory proteins, indicating a new disease mechanism involved in triple-A syndrome. The expression of the gene in both neuroendocrine and cerebral structures points to a role in the normal development of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
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PMID:Mutant WD-repeat protein in triple-A syndrome. 1106 74

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency due to corticotropin (ACTH) resistance consists of two distinct genetic syndromes that are both inherited as autosomal recessive traits: isolated ACTH resistance (iACTHR), which may be caused by inactivating mutations of the ACTH receptor (the MC2R gene) or mutations in an as yet unknown gene(s), and Allgrove syndrome (AS). The latter is also known as triple-A syndrome (MIM 231550). In three large cohorts of AS kindreds, the disease has been mapped to chromosome 12; most recently, mutations in the AAAS gene on 12q13 were found in these AS families. AAAS codes for the WD-repeat containing ALADIN (for alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency-neurologic disorder) protein. We investigated families with iACTHR (n = 4) and AS (n = 6) and a Bedouin family with ACTHR and a known defect of the TSH receptor. Four AS families were of mixed extraction from Puerto Rico (PR); most of the remaining six families were Caucasian families from North America (NA). Sequencing analysis found no MC2R genetic defects in any of the kindreds. No iACTHR kindreds, but all of AS families, had AAAS mutations. The previously reported IVS14+1G-->A splice donor mutation was found in all PR families, apparently due to a founder effect; one NA kindred was heterozygous for this mutation. In the latter family, long-range PCR failed to identify a deletion or other rearrangements of the AAAS gene. No other heterozygote or transmitting parent had any phenotype that could be considered part of AS. The IVS14+1G-->A mutation results in a premature termination of the predicted protein; although it was present in all PR families (in the homozygote state in three of them), there was substantial clinical variation between them. One PR family also carried a novel splice donor mutation of the AAAS gene in exon 11, IVS11+1G-->A; the proband was a compound heterozygote. A novel point mutation, 43C-->A(Gln15Lys), in exon 1 of the AAAS gene was identified in the homozygote state in a Canadian AS kindred with a milder AS phenotype. The predicted amino acid substitution in this family is located in a sequence that may participate in the preservation of stability of ALADIN beta-strands, whereas the splicing mutation in exon 11 may interfere with the formation of WD repeats in this molecule. We conclude that 1) AAAS does not appear to be frequently mutated in families with iACTHR; 2) AAAS is mutated in AS families from PR (that had previously been mapped to 12q13) and NA; and, 3) there is significant clinical variability between patients with the same AAAS defect.
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PMID:Spectrum of mutations of the AAAS gene in Allgrove syndrome: lack of mutations in six kindreds with isolated resistance to corticotropin. 1170 18

The triple A syndrome (MIM*231550) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistant adrenal failure, achalasia, alacrima and a variety of neurological and dermatological features. Adrenal insufficiency usually presents in the first decade of life, however in some patients it may occur later in life or may even lack completely. Recently, we and others identified a novel gene on chromosome 12q13, designated AAAS (Achalasia-Addisonianism-Alacrima-Syndrome gene) which is mutated in patients with triple A syndrome. We investigated n=84 families including 111 patients with clinically suggested triple A syndrome and identified homozygous or compound heterozygous AAAS mutations in 78 families. Genotype/phenotype analyses revealed a highly variable occurrence, age of onset and severity of all clinical symptoms between patients with the same AAAS mutation. The obvious lack of a genotype/phenotype relationship is suggestive of modifying genes/factors which need to be determined. The AAAS protein function is unknown. With four WD repeats it belongs to the family of WD repeat-containing proteins which may exhibit a high degree of functional diversity. The subcellular localization of the protein and the determination of its putative binding partners will shed light on the role of the AAAS protein for the development and function of the adrenal gland and other neuroendocrine structures.
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PMID:New insights into the molecular basis of the triple A syndrome. 1253 Jun 89

The triple A or Allgrove syndrome is an autosomal-recessive disease (MIM*231550) characterized by the triad of achalasia, alacrima and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-resistant adrenal insufficiency. Associated features of the syndrome are neurological and dermatological abnormalities. Until the discovery of the AAAS gene as the responsible gene in triple A syndrome, the diagnosis was based on characteristic clinical features. Here we present the clinical and molecular genetic data which demonstrated the marked phenotypic variability in three unrelated patients with triple A syndrome. The final diagnosis of triple A syndrome was confirmed by molecular analysis. In one patient with isolated achalasia, the diagnosis of triple A syndrome could only be made on the basis of the molecular genetic analysis of the AAAS gene. We therefore suggest that the diagnosis of triple A syndrome should be considered in patients who exhibit only one or two of the main symptoms (i.e. alacrima, achalasia or adrenal insufficiency). These patients require careful neurological investigation, and mutation analysis of the AAAS gene should be performed.
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PMID:Triple A syndrome: genotype-phenotype assessment. 1275 75

The triple A syndrome (MIM#231550) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistant adrenal failure, achalasia, alacrima, and a variety of neurological and dermatological features. The triple A syndrome is caused by mutations in the AAAS gene, which encodes a protein known as ALADIN (ALacrima Achalasia aDrenal Insufficiency Neurologic disorder). ALADIN is a new WD-repeat protein that has no significant homology to any previously identified WD-repeat protein. It has been shown that it colocalizes with nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), a finding that strongly suggests an involvement of ALADIN in nucleocytoplasmic transport. An investigation of 110 families with triple A syndrome disclosed mutation hot spots including Q15K (exon 1), and S293P (exon 8), which occur in 17 and 21 families from different geographical regions, respectively. The variable phenotype of all patients cannot be correlated with the localization and the nature of the ALADIN mutations. Thus, modifying genes/factors may be involved in the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. The lack of AAAS mutations in eight patients and negative linkage to chromosome 12q13 in three families are suggestive of genetic heterogeneity. To examine the cellular localization of ALADIN mutants causing triple A syndrome, we investigated nine different ALADIN-mutants: 2 nonsense (W84X, Q456X), 2 frameshift (F157fsX171, G397fsX414) and 5 point mutations (Q15K, L25P, H160R, S263P, L381R) by transfection experiments with green fluorescence protein. Mutants were predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, but also found in the nucleus indicating that ALADIN is essential for NPC targeting. To investigate physiological functions of ALADIN in vivo, we generated and analysed Aaas-/- knockout mice by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Surprisingly, required animals lack any gross abnormality in adrenal and nervous system function. Further studies have to investigate the role of ALADIN at NPCs and to identify interacting proteins. Functional analyses of ALADIN may permit further understanding of its role for adrenocortical function and neurodevelopment.
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PMID:The triple A syndrome is due to mutations in ALADIN, a novel member of the nuclear pore complex. 1566 42

Triple A syndrome is characterised by achalasia, alacrima, adrenocorticotropin-resistant adrenal insufficiency and a variable and progressive neurological phenotype. It is caused by mutations in a gene that is normally referred to as the triple A syndrome gene (AAAS) and which has recently been shown to encode a nuclear pore protein named ALADIN (alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder). In this study we performed in situ hybridisation with radioactive oligonucleotide probes in the adult and developing rat and present the first detailed map of AAAS mRNA expression. Consistent with a role for AAAS in adrenal function, we detected high levels of its mRNA in the adrenal cortex. On the other hand hepatocytes, enteric smooth muscle and fibroblasts had relatively little or no detectable AAAS mRNA. In both the peripheral and central nervous systems, AAAS mRNA was abundantly expressed. Neurons in sensory and sympathetic ganglia expressed high levels. CNS expression was highest in neurons of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, motor-associated nuclei of the brainstem including cranial nerve nuclei, and ventral horn of the spinal cord. Although neuronal expression of AAAS mRNA was striking, non-neuronal cells including those of the circumventricular organs and fibrous astrocytes also expressed AAAS mRNA. Within the developing embryo, the highest levels of expression were found in neural tissues. These findings indicate a widespread but not ubiquitous or uniform expression of AAAS mRNA in the rat. Robust expression in neural systems associated with cognitive, motor and sensory functions is consistent with the myriad of symptoms experienced by patients with triple A syndrome.
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PMID:Identification of the sites of expression of triple A syndrome mRNA in the rat using in situ hybridisation. 1568 Jun 96

Allgrove syndrome is a genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and characterized by a triad of adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, and alacrima. The gene affected by the mutation in patients with Allgrove syndrome is termed either AAAS or ALADIN (alacrima/achalasia/adrenal insufficiency/neurologic disorder). Adrenal insufficiency in patients with this disorder may develop as late as the third decade of life. We describe a 24-year-old female with Allgrove syndrome, in whom initial testing with 250 microg corticotropin (ACTH) stimulation test performed on 3 occasions produced normal serum cortisol values and results of the 1-microg ACTH stimulation tests performed on 6 occasions were conflicting. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia produced a nadir serum glucose value of 36 mg/dL without adequate serum cortisol stimulation, confirming presence of adrenal insufficiency. Gene sequencing identified 2 mutations in the triple A gene: an IVSC14 + 1 G to A mutation, which has been previously reported, and a novel R155P exon 6 mutation. We conclude that a novel R155P mutation in the ALADIN gene is associated with Allgrove syndrome and that insulin-induced hypoglycemia, rather than ACTH stimulation tests, should be used for accurate diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in this disorder.
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PMID:The diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in a patient with Allgrove syndrome and a novel mutation in the ALADIN gene. 1569 Mar 14

Triple-A syndrome (MIM 231550; also known as Allgrove syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia of the oesophageal cardia and alacrima. Much initial molecular analysis supported that Triple-A syndrome was caused by mutations in AAAS, a WD-repeat protein gene. Here we report cloning and characterization of a novel splice variant of human AAAS, which we named AAAS-v2, which is located on the human chromosome 12p13. The cDNA is 1703 bp, encoding a 513-amino acid polypeptide, which contains three WD40 domains, one less than the original which we called AAAS-v1 (Gen Bank: NM_015665.3). RT-PCR analysis in our work revealed that AAAS-v2 and AAAS-v1 were ubiquitously detected in human multiple tissue cDNA (MTC) panels (CLONTECH).
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PMID:Molecular cloning and characterization of AAAS-V2, a novel splice variant of human AAAS. 1602 85

The network regulating human adrenal development is complex. Studies of patients with adrenal insufficiency due to gene mutations established a central role for transcription factors GLI3, SF1 and DAX1 in the initial steps of adrenal formation. Adrenal differentiation seems to depend on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation and signalling, including biosynthesis and action of POMC, PC1, TPIT, MC2R, MRAP and ALADIN, all of which cause adrenocortical hypoplasia when mutated in humans. Studies of knockout mice revealed many more factors involved in adrenal development; however, in contrast to rodents, in humans several of those factors had no adrenal phenotype when mutated (e.g. WT1, WNT4) or, alternatively, human mutations have not (yet) been identified. Tissue profiling of fetal and adult adrenals suggested 69 genes involved in adrenal development. Among them were genes coding for steroidogenic enzymes, transcription and growth factors, signalling molecules, regulators of cell cycle and angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix proteins; however, the exact role of most of them remains to be elucidated.
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PMID:Adrenal gland development and defects. 1827 81

The triple A syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is characterised by the triad of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia and alacrima. In most patients, neurological and dermatological abnormalities are associated features. We report on the first Bosnian patient with triple A syndrome. Endocrine investigation confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency at the age of 5.8 years. Two months later, achalasia was diagnosed, and in the presence of alacrima, the patient satisfies the diagnostic criteria of triple A syndrome. In addition, a large number of associated neurological and dermatological features were present in this patient. Moreover, he has dysmorphic facial features, which have not been previously described in triple A syndrome. Triple A syndrome was confirmed by molecular analysis, revealing a nonsense mutation p.W84X in the AAAS gene. The parents are both heterozygous carriers of the mutation. The affected twin brother unfortunately died from hypoglycaemic shock, despite a normal cortisol rise in an ACTH stimulation test. Further, triple A syndrome patients carrying the identical homozygous p.W84X mutation have to be studied to assess a genotype-phenotype relationship for this mutation.
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PMID:Clinical and molecular genetic findings in a 6-year-old Bosnian boy with triple A syndrome. 1855 17


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