Comment: Analysis of the SDHD gene, the susceptibility gene for familial paraganglioma syndrome (PGL1), in pheochromocytomas

Ricardo C.T. Aguiar, Gerry Cox, Scott L. Pomeroy, Patricia L.M. Dahia

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are neural crest-derived tumors that occur mostly sporadically, but may also be part of inherited syndromes. The molecular pathogenesis of sporadic pheochromocytomas remains unknown. Recently, the susceptibility gene for familial paraganglioma syndrome, a disorder embryologically related to pheochromocytomas, was characterized and shown to encode the small subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHD), which is part of the mitochondrial complex II. This complex regulates oxygen-sensing signals. Importantly, hypoxic signals also appear to be related to the pathogenesis of pheochromocytomas associated with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. We sequenced the entire coding region of the SDHD gene in a series of pheochromocytomas. Although we did not find mutations in the gene, we identified a new intronic single nucleotide polymorphism in 15% of the samples (g.97739A→G). We also confirmed the existence of a sequence highly homologous to the SDHD complementary DNA in chromosome 1p34-36, a region commonly deleted in pheochromocytomas. Full analysis of this sequence revealed a heterozygous single base substitution in 70% of our samples that was also present in the germline. This sequence does not appear to be transcribed and is probably a processed pseudogene. Therefore, despite its chromosomal location, it is unlikely that this sequence is a target of loss of heterozygosity in pheochromocytomas. In conclusion, mutations of the SDHD gene are not a common event in this series of sporadic pheochromocytomas. The existence of SDHD pseudogenes should be considered when analyzing complementary DNA-based samples.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2890-2894
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume86
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, medical

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comment: Analysis of the SDHD gene, the susceptibility gene for familial paraganglioma syndrome (PGL1), in pheochromocytomas'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this