Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

A total of 10-15% of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are characterised by disease-specific mutations in the prion protein gene (PRNP). We examined the phenotype, distribution, and frequency of genetic TSEs (gTSEs) in different countries/geographical regions. We collected standardised data on gTSEs between 1993 and 2002 in the framework of the EUROCJD collaborative surveillance project. Our results show that clinicopathological phenotypes include genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD), fatal familial insomnia (FFI), and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS). Genetic TSE patients with insert mutation in the PRNP represent a separate group. Point and insertional mutations in the PRNP gene varies significantly in frequency between countries. The commonest mutation is E200K. Absence of a positive family history is noted in a significant proportion of cases in all mutation types (12-88%). FFI and GSS patients develop disease earlier than gCJD. Base pair insertions associated with the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) phenotype, GSS, and FFI cases have a longer duration of illness compared to cases with point mutations and gCJD. Cerebrospinal fluid 14-3-3 immunoassay, EEG, and MRI brain scan are useful in the diagnosis of CJD with point mutations, but are less sensitive in the other forms. Given the low prevalence of family history, the term "gTSE" is preferable to "familial TSE". Application of genetic screening in clinical practice has the advantage of early diagnosis and may lead to the identification of a risk of a TSE.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s00439-005-0020-1

Type

Journal article

Journal

Hum Genet

Publication Date

11/2005

Volume

118

Pages

166 - 174

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Amyloid, Brain, DNA Mutational Analysis, Europe, Female, Gene Frequency, Genetic Testing, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Mutagenesis, Insertional, Point Mutation, Prevalence, Prion Diseases, Prion Proteins, Prions, Protein Precursors, Radiography, Risk Factors