A novel indel variant in LDLR responsible for familial hypercholesterolemia in a Chinese family

PLoS One. 2017 Dec 11;12(12):e0189316. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189316. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by elevation of serum cholesterol bound to low-density lipoprotein. Mutations in LDLR are the major factors responsible for FH. In this study, we recruited a four-generation Chinese family with FH and identified the clinical features of hypercholesterolemia. All affected individuals shared a novel indel mutation (c.1885_1889delinsGATCATCAACC) in exon 13 of LDLR. The mutation segregated with the hypercholesterolemia phenotype in the family. To analyze the function of the indel, we established stable clones of mutant and wild-type LDLR in Hep G2 cells. The mutant LDLR was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and failed to glycosylate via the Golgi. Moreover, the membrane LDLR was reduced and lost the ability to take up LDL. Our data also expand the spectrum of known LDLR mutations.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / genetics*
  • INDEL Mutation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics*
  • Receptors, LDL / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, LDL

Grants and funding

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (8157060759, 31201055) and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (2015GSF118007, ZR2016CB06).