Frequencies of Q188R and N314D Mutations and IVS5-24G>A Intron Variation in the Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyl Transferase (GALT) Gene in the Slovenian Population

Abstract

Numerous mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene have been found to impair GALT activity to different extent, causing galactosemia. This disorder exhibits considerable allelic heterogeneity in different populations and ethnic groups. The Q188R mutation accounts for 60-70% of classical galactosemia alleles in the Caucasian population. Individuals homoallelic for Q188R have a severe phenotype with complete loss of enzyme activity. Another form of GALT deficiency is Duarte galactosemia with N314D mutation associated alleles (Duarte-2). Although heterozygotes for classical galactosemia are asymptomatic at birth and Duarte galactosemia appears to be quite benign, there are some indications that these disorders can increase the risk of developing certain diseases later in life. The aim of our study was to analyze a healthy Slovenian population for the frequencies of Q188R and N314D mutations, and for the Duarte-2 indicative intronic variation IVS5-24G>A. DNA samples from 174 healthy subjects were analyzed for all three mutations by polymerase chain reaction and digestion with restriction enzymes. Allele frequencies for Q188R and N314D mutations and IVS5-24G>A intron variation were found to be 0.29%, 8.0% and 5.7%, respectively. These results correlate well with those reported for most other healthy Caucasian populations.

Galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase gene mutations in women with premature ovarian failure

“…Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood by the salt extraction method. Polymerase chain reactions for three DNA fragments were performed as described (12,13). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses with HpaII, Tsp509I, AvaII, and SacI restriction enzymes were used to detect the Q188R, K285N, and N314D mutations and the IVS5-24GϾA intron variation, respectively (12,13).…”

“…Polymerase chain reactions for three DNA fragments were performed as described (12,13). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses with HpaII, Tsp509I, AvaII, and SacI restriction enzymes were used to detect the Q188R, K285N, and N314D mutations and the IVS5-24GϾA intron variation, respectively (12,13). Duarte allelic genotype was attributed to alleles containing the N314D mutation and the IVS5-24GϾA intron variation.…”