Novel variants in GNAI3 associated with auriculocondylar syndrome strengthen a common dominant negative effect

Eur J Hum Genet. 2015 Apr;23(4):481-5. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2014.132. Epub 2014 Jul 16.

Abstract

Auriculocondylar syndrome is a rare craniofacial disorder comprising core features of micrognathia, condyle dysplasia and question mark ear. Causative variants have been identified in PLCB4, GNAI3 and EDN1, which are predicted to function within the EDN1-EDNRA pathway during early pharyngeal arch patterning. To date, two GNAI3 variants in three families have been reported. Here we report three novel GNAI3 variants, one segregating with affected members in a family previously linked to 1p21.1-q23.3 and two de novo variants in simplex cases. Two variants occur in known functional motifs, the G1 and G4 boxes, and the third variant is one amino acid outside of the G1 box. Structural modeling shows that all five altered GNAI3 residues identified to date cluster in a region involved in GDP/GTP binding. We hypothesize that all GNAI3 variants lead to dominant negative effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Branchial Region / metabolism
  • Brazil
  • Ear / abnormalities*
  • Ear Diseases / diagnosis
  • Ear Diseases / genetics*
  • Female
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • GNAI3 protein, human
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go

Supplementary concepts

  • Auriculo-condylar syndrome