Genetic basis of prune belly syndrome: Screening for HNF1β gene

Candace F. Granberg, Steven M. Harrison, Daniel Dajusta, Shaohua Zhang, Sachin Hajarnis, Peter Igarashi, Linda A. Baker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Although the cause of prune belly syndrome is unknown, familial evidence suggests a genetic component. Recently 2 nonfamilial cases of prune belly syndrome with chromosome 17q12 deletions encompassing the HNF1β gene have made this a candidate gene for prune belly syndrome. To date, there has been no large-scale screening of patients with prune belly syndrome for HNF1β mutations. We assessed the role of HNF1β in prune belly syndrome by screening for genomic mutations with functional characterization of any detected mutations. Materials and Methods: We studied patients with prune belly syndrome who were prospectively enrolled in our Pediatric Genitourinary DNA Repository since 2001. DNA from patient samples was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced for coding and splice regions of the HNF1β gene, and compared to control databases. We performed functional assay testing of the ability of mutant HNF1β to activate a luciferase construct with an HNF1β DNA binding site. Results: From 32 prune belly syndrome probands (30 males, 2 females) HNF1β sequencing detected a missense mutation (V61G) in 1 child with prune belly syndrome. Absent in control databases, V61G was previously reported in 2 patients without prune belly syndrome who had congenital genitourinary anomalies. Functional testing showed similar luciferase activity compared to wild-type HNF1β, suggesting the V61G substitution does not disturb HNF1β function. Conclusions: One genomic HNF1β mutation was detected in 3% of patients with prune belly syndrome but found to be functionally normal. Thus, functionally significant HNF1β mutations are uncommon in prune belly syndrome, despite case reports of HNF1β deletions. Further genetic study is necessary, as identification of the genetic basis of prune belly syndrome may ultimately lead to prevention and improved treatments for this rare but severe syndrome.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)272-278
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Urology
Volume187
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • HNF1B protein
  • genetics
  • human
  • medical
  • prune belly syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic basis of prune belly syndrome: Screening for HNF1β gene'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this