| Background: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), the
most common peroxisomal disorder, is caused by mutations
in the ABCD1 gene located on Xq28. X-ALD is characterized
by a spectrum of different manifestations varying
in patients and families.
Methods: Four pedigrees with X-ALD consisting of patients
and healthy members were selected for investigation of
ABCD1 gene mutations. The mutation analysis was performed
by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by
direct sequencing of all exons. The identified mutations
were investigated using bioinformatics tools to predict
their effects on the protein product and also to compare
the mutated sequence with close species.
Results: One previously known missense mutation (c.1978
C > T) and three novel mutations (c.1797dupT, c.879delC,
c.1218 C > G) were identified in the ABCD1 gene, each in
one family. Predicting the effects of the mutations on protein
structure and function indicated the probable damaging
effect for them with significant alterations in the
protein structure. We found three novel mutations in the
ABCD1 gene with damaging effects on its protein product
and responsible for X-ALD. |