LDLR promoter variant and exon 14 mutation on the same chromosome are associated with an unusually severe FH phenotype and treatment resistance

Eur J Hum Genet. 2009 Jan;17(1):85-90. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2008.138. Epub 2008 Jul 23.

Abstract

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common form of autosomal-dominant hypercholesterolemia, and is caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Heterozygous FH is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and early-onset cardiovascular disease, whereas homozygous FH results in more severe LDL cholesterol elevation with death by 20 years of age. We present here the case of an African-American female FH patient presenting with a myocardial infarction at the age of 48, recurrent angina pectoris and numerous coronary artery stents. Her pretreated LDL cholesterol levels were more typical of a homozygous FH pattern and she was resistant to conventional lipid-lowering treatment, yet her other clinical parameters were not necessarily consistent with homozygous FH. Genetic testing revealed two LDLR variants on the same chromosome: one a novel missense mutation in exon 14 (Cys681Gly) and the other a promoter variant (IVS1-217C>T) previously shown to result in increased LDLR transcription. Disease-associated PCSK9 or APOB mutations were not identified in this individual. Overall, her genetic and clinical profile suggests that enhanced expression of the mutant LDLR allele resulted in a severe phenotype with characteristics of both heterozygous and homozygous FH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Apolipoproteins B / genetics
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / blood
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / drug therapy
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Phenotype
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins B
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Cholesterol
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Serine Endopeptidases