A novel mutation in the CTSC gene in Iranian family with
Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome
Abstract
Background: PLS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
the palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and severe degeneration of the
periodontium. The defects in cathepsin C gene, are responsible for PLS.
In this study, we analyzed the whole exomes of CTSC gene in a family
with history of PLS. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral
blood and genotype analysis was performed. The mutated protein sequence
was used to find the best possible tertiary structure for homology
modeling. The homology modeling of the novel mutation was then performed
using the online Swiss-Prot server. The results were also analyzed for
to verify its validity. Results: The analysis of CTSC gene elucidated a
novel insertion GAC. The novel mutation was proved by analyzing 50
healthy control volunteers. Modeling of the novel found mutation in CTSC
gene revealed structural defects that may have caused the functional
abnormalities. Discussion: The structural analysis of the mutated
protein model identifies changes in the stereo-chemical and the energy
level of the mutated protein. Since this protein play a role in the
activation of granule serine proteases from cytotoxic T lymphocytes,
natural killer cells, mast cells, such structural defects may lead to
its malfunction causing dysfunctioning of immune defense mechanisms.