Niemann-Pick disease: mutation update, genotype/phenotype correlations, and prospects for genetic testing

Genet Test. 1997;1(1):13-9. doi: 10.1089/gte.1997.1.13.

Abstract

Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). NPD occurs in two forms, neuronopathic Type A and nonneuronopathic Type B. The incidence of Type A NPD is highest among Ashkenazi Jews. Type B NPD is more common in non-Jews but has been reported in Ashkenazi Jews. Different mutations in ASM are presumed to be responsible for the different NPD phenotypes. Three mutations are predicted to account for > 95% of all Type A NPD chromosomes among Ashkenazi Jews (L302P, R496L, fsP330). Based on limited screens for these mutations among Ashkenazi Jews, a carrier frequency for Type A NPD of 1:90 is reported for this population. Less is known about mutations responsible for Type B NPD, although one mutation (delta R608) has been identified in both Ashkenazi Jews and non-Jews. Screening of the Ashkenazi Jewish population to detect > 95% of NPD carriers can be accomplished with a four-mutation panel that includes L302P, R496L, fsP330, and delta R608, the three predominant Type A mutations and one recurrent Type B mutation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Carrier Screening
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Jews / genetics
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Niemann-Pick Diseases / diagnosis
  • Niemann-Pick Diseases / epidemiology
  • Niemann-Pick Diseases / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis

Substances

  • DNA Primers