1. Darron Fors & Dr. Robert Seegmiller Brigham Young University
Stickler Syndrome
COL2A1, COL11A1, COL11A2
Darron Fors & Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Brigham Young University

2. My Pedigree Me
Symptoms within my family: Cleft palate, hearing loss, osteoarthritis, hypermobile joints (double jointed), myopia

3. DNA Analysis Report COL11A1Exon 61 Patient Name Fors, Gretta
Test Request
COL11A1
RESULTS:
Mutation
COL11A1Exon 61
Nucleotide
c.4537G>A
Amino Acid:
Gly995Ser
DNA sequencing of the COL11A1 gene revealed a c.4537G>A transition in exon 61. This mutation converts a codon for a triple helical domain glycine (GGT) to a serine (AGT). This mutation will result in a phenotype consistent with Stickler syndrome II. The patient is heterozygous for this mutation.

4. (image)

5. Human Chromosomes
Each cell in human body has 23 pair of chromosomes in the nucleus
Number of genes in our chromosomes is about 30,000
Genes are segments of DNA, each of which ultimately code for a protein
These proteins and other molecules produced by genes determine the traits of a living organism
(image)

6. Collagen molecules involved in Stickler Syndrome
COL2A1 located on Chromosome 12
COL11A1 located on Chromosome 1
COL11A2 located on Chromosome 6

7. Protein Synthesis
A section (gene) of DNA unwinds and the nucleotides of the DNA provide the pattern for making the messenger RNA (mRNA).
mRNA is used as instructions to piece together amino acids that form proteins
Collagen is one of these proteins
(image) Klugh CD

8. Functions of COL11A1 Gene
The COL11A1 gene provides instructions for making one component of type XI collagen, called the pro-alpha1(XI) chain. Type XI collagen adds structure and strength to the connective tissues that support the body's muscles, joints, organs, and skin. Type XI collagen is normally found in cartilage. Type XI collagen is also part of the clear gel that fills the eyeball (the vitreous), the inner ear, and the center portion of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine (nucleus pulposus).
The pro-alpha1(XI) chain combines with two other collagen chains (pro- alpha2(XI) and pro-alpha1(II)) to form a procollagen molecule. These triple- stranded, ropelike procollagen molecules are then processed by enzymes in the cell. Once processed, procollagen molecules leave the cell and arrange themselves into long, thin fibrils that link to one another (cross-link) in the spaces around cells. The cross-linkages result in the formation of very strong mature type XI collagen fibers.
Type XI collagen also helps maintain the spacing and diameter of type II collagen fibrils. Type II collagen is an important component of the eye and mature cartilage tissue. The size and arrangement of type II collagen fibrils is essential for the normal structure of these tissues.
(from the NIH Genetics Reference)

9. Components of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

10. Importance of types II/XI collagen
Collagen II
Principal fibrillar component of cartilage ECM
Provides cohesive properties of cartilage
Collagen XI
Essential for normal formation of collagen fibrils
Responsible for spatial organization of growth plate
Mutations
In genes encoding polypeptide subunits of collagen II and XI are responsible for several chondrodysplasias

11. DNA Analysis Report COL11A1Exon 61 Patient Name Fors, Gretta
Test Request
COL11A1
RESULTS:
Mutation
COL11A1Exon 61
Nucleotide
c.4537G>A
Amino Acid:
Gly995Ser
DNA sequencing of the COL11A1 gene revealed a c.4537G>A transition in exon 61. This mutation converts a codon for a triple helical domain glycine (GGT) to a serine (AGT). This mutation will result in a phenotype consistent with Stickler syndrome II. The patient is heterozygous for this mutation.

12. COL2A1 Mutations 1. Stickler with cleft palate3 4 5 1 7 6 8
1. Stickler with cleft palate
2. Osteoarthritis with mild chondrodysplasia
3. Lethal chondrodysplasia (hypochondrogenesis)
4. Stickler with severe ophthalmopathy
5. Lethal chondrodysplasia (achondrogenesis II)
6. Severe chondrodysplasia (SED)
7. Severe chondrodysplasia (SED)
8. Severe chondrodysplasia (SED congenita)

13. What is being done in the lab?
It starts with establishing mouse models for study
Mouse models at Brigham Young University:
Disproportionate micromelia(Dmm)
Micromelia– (dwarfism)
COL2A1 mutation
chondrodysplasia(cho)
Chondro- (cartilage), dysplasia- (abnormality)
COL11A1 mutation
spondlyoepiphysealdysplasiacongenita(sedc)
Spondylo- (bones of the spine), epiphyses- (ends of long bones), dysplasia- (abnormality), congenita- (from birth)

14. Dmm and cho have a similar phenotype
Endochondral bone defect —> Dwarfism
Micrognathia —>Tongue obstruction —>Cleft Palate
Small thoracic space —> Pulmonary hypoplasia

15. My Personal Work
Normal (Wild) Type
Sedc Heterozygote

16. What’s the point?
Finding anomalies between the wild type and mutant types
Points us in the right direction to address the problem
Identification of the problem at the molecular level paves the way for discovery of drug treatments
Understanding the roles of specific genes and their interaction with other genes
Essential for possible gene therapy used in the future