Background: Three mutations in the apolipoprotein B (apoB) gene have previously been established as important causes of impaired receptor binding of LDL and, hence, Familial Defective Apolipoprotein B 100 (FDB). Previously, undescribed mutations were sought.
Methods: Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for mutation detection, DNA from 1852 new patients was examined.
Results: A previously undiscovered mutation was found in codon 3516, located between known FDB mutations at codons 3500 and 3531. The new mutation introduces a positively charged amino acid-lysine-while other FDB mutations remove a positively charged residue, arginine. The phenotype was intriguing, LDL derived from N3516K heterozygotes allowed only poor growth of an LDL cholesterol-dependent cell line. ApoB-100-specific antibody MB47 bound to LDL from N3516K heterozygotes with increased affinity indicating a probable conformational change caused by the substitution. In contrast to these results, a competitive displacement assay in fibroblasts showed normal (or better) binding affinity to LDL receptors and using dynamic laser scattering no preferential accumulation of 3516K LDL particles in plasma was found.
Conclusion: Discovery of the mutation and characterisation of N3516K LDL reveals another naturally occurring apoB mutation that influences conformation of LDL apoB and its interaction with the LDL receptor.