Mutations in the pericentrin (PCNT) gene cause primordial dwarfism

Anita Rauch, Christian T. Thiel, Detlev Schindler, Ursula Wick, Yanick J. Crow, Arif B. Ekici, Anthonie J. Van Essen, Timm O. Goecke, Lihadh Al-Gazali, Krystyna H. Chrzanowska, Christiane Zweier, Han G. Brunner, Kristin Becker, Cynthia J. Curry, Bruno Dallapiccola, Koenraad Devriendt, Arnd Dörfler, Esther Kinning, André Megarbane, Peter MeineckeRobert K. Semple, Stephanie Spranger, Annick Toutain, Richard C. Trembath, Egbert Voss, Louise Wilson, Raoul Hennekam, Francis De Zegher, Helmuth Günther Dörr, André Reis

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Fundamental processes influencing human growth can be revealed by studying extreme short stature. Using genetic linkage analysis, we find that biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the centrosomal pericentrin (PCNT) gene on chromosome 21q22.3 cause microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPD II) in 25 patients. Adults with this rare inherited condition have an average height of 100 centimeters and a brain size comparable to that of a 3-month-old baby, but are of near-normal intelligence. Absence of PCNT results in disorganized mitotic spindles and missegregation of chromosomes. Mutations in related genes are known to cause primary microcephaly (MCPH1, CDK5RAP2, ASPM, and CENPJ).
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)816-819
    Number of pages3
    JournalScience
    Volume319
    Issue number5864
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 8 Feb 2008

    Keywords

    • genetics: Antigens
    • Apoptosis
    • Cell Line
    • physiology: Centrosome
    • genetics: Dwarfism
    • Female
    • cytology: Fibroblasts
    • Humans
    • Lod Score
    • metabolism: Lymphocytes
    • Male
    • genetics: Microcephaly
    • Mitosis
    • physiology: Mitotic Spindle Apparatus
    • Mutation
    • Pedigree
    • genetics: RNA, Messenger
    • Syndrome

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Mutations in the pericentrin (PCNT) gene cause primordial dwarfism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this