Unique deletion in Exon 5 of SHOX gene in a patient with idiopathic short stature
HORMONE RESEARCH
Authors: Shanske, Alan L.; Puri, Mala; Marshall, Barbara; Saenger, Paul
Abstract
Background/Aim: It is known that haploinsufficiency for the SHOX gene (short-stature homeobox gene on the X chromosome) is responsible for short stature in Turner syndrome and Leri-Weill dyschondrogenesis, and it has been reported that it is responsible for upwards of 1 in 50 cases of idiopathic short stature. SHOX haploinsufficiency is also associated with various radiographic abnormalities, such as coarse trabecular pattern, short metacarpals/metatarsals with metaphyseal flaring, altered osseous alignment at the wrist, radial/tibial bowing, triangularization of the radial head, abnormal tuberosity of the humerus, and an abnormal femoral neck. Shortening and bowing of the radius and dorsal dislocation of the distal ulna characterize the Madelung deformity. These characteristic findings led us to do a study assessing the predictive value of certain radiographic features in association with genetic markers of idiopathic short stature. Methods: Here we describe a case of a Hispanic male with idiopathic short stature and Madelung deformity with a novel mutation in the SHOX gene. Results: Additional studies revealed a strong family history of short stature and the same SHOX mutation segregating from the mother. Conclusion: This case resulted in the description of a novel mutation in exon 5 (M202delA) and suggests the importance of screening for SHOX mutations in patients with idiopathic short stature with subtle radiographic abnormalities, including the components of the Madelung deformity in their bone age films. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Zirconium oxide regulates RNA interfering of osteoblast-like cells
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN MEDICINE
Authors: Palmieri, Annalisa; Pezzetti, Furio; Brunelli, Giorgio; Zollino, Ilaria; Lo Muzio, Lorenzo; Martinelli, Marcella; Scapoli, Luca; Arlotti, Marzia; Masiero, Elena; Carinci, Francesco
Abstract
Zirconium oxide (ZO) has outstanding mechanical properties, high biocompatibility and high resistance to scratching. Since dental implants are made with ZO and the genetic effects of ZO on osteoblasts are incompletely understood, we used microRNA microarray techniques to investigate the translation process in osteoblasts exposed to ZO. By using miRNA microarrays containing 329 probes designed from Human miRNA sequences, we identified in osteoblast-like cells line (MG-63) cultured on ZO disks several miRNA whose expression was significantly modified. The most notable regulated genes acting on osteoblasts are: NOG, SHOX, IGF1, BMP1 and FGFR1. The data reported below represent the first study on translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to zirconium and one in which the effect of ZO on bone formation has been detected.