The Molecular Mechanisms of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome (Medical Intelligence Unit) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387262229 ISBN 13: 9780387262222

Publisher: Springer, 2005

Synopsis

We are excited to bring together recent research on the molecular biology of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) disorders. In the following chapters we will review and provide direct evidence for the molecular basis of this group of heterogeneous disorders, which include Rieger syndrome and Rieger anomaly. While ARS patients were initially diagnosed in the early 1930s the genetic basis for ARS was unknown until the recent identification of chromo­ somal loci associated with this genetic disorder. In the mid-1990s Drs. Jeffrey C. Murray and Elena V. Semina identified PITX2 through positional cloning tech­ niques as a gene associated with ARS. These researchers were able to iden­ tify point mutations in PITX2 that were linked with ARS patients. ARS patients presented clinically with several developmental anomalies that fur­ ther provided clues about the function of the PITX2 homeobox tran­ scription factor. The phenotypic variability of ARS patients indicates that PITX2 can participate with many other faaors to control normal development processes. The hallmarks of ARS developmental anomalies are eye, tooth and umbilical defects. However, abnormal pituitary, heart, and craniofacial development are also detected. Thus, ARS patients provided the first link of PITX2 involvement in the development of these organs and structures. Some of these anomalies are recapitulated in epigenetic and genetic mouse, chick, zebrafish and frog studies which will be reviewed in the following chapters.

About this title

Synopsis

"The Molecular Mechanisms of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome" describes the current research and clinical findings of the heterogeneous disorder termed Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome (ARS). The book provides an in-depth analysis of this phenotypic diverse disorder and is designed to detail the current molecular and biochemical research involved in studying genetic defects. This book brings together the complete analysis of a human genetic defect using humans, mouse and chick epigenetic and genetic studies, combined with cell culture and in vitro analyses. It is a comprehensive study of a unique set of genes and their mutant activities. A molecular basis for the genetic and phenotypic anomalies observed in ARS patients is provided, with especially detailed descriptions of eye, tooth, and heart development.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387262229
• ISBN 13: 9780387262222
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 118
• Editor: Amendt Brad A.