Neurofibromatosis and early onset of cancers in hMLH1-deficient children

Cancer Res. 1999 Jan 15;59(2):294-7.

Abstract

Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer is a common hereditary disorder caused by the germ-line mutations of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, especially hMLH1 and hMSH2. We report here the first identification of human compounds with a homozygous inactivation of a MMR gene. In a typical hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer family, MMR-deficient children conceived from matings between heterozygotes for a hMLH1 deleterious mutation exhibited clinical features of de novo neurofibromatosis type I and early onset of extracolonic cancers. This observation demonstrates that MMR deficiency is compatible with human development but may lead to mutations during embryogenesis. On the basis of clinical symptoms observed in MMR-deficient children, we speculate that the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene is a preferential target for such alterations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / genetics*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA Repair*
  • Female
  • Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1
  • Neoplasm Proteins / deficiency
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Carrier Proteins
  • MLH1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • DNA
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1