[Possible role of GLI3 gene in the pathogenesis of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between GLI3 gene and pathogenesis of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (ICTEV). METHOD: Potential mutations in the coding region of GLI3 were detected among 84 patients with ICTEV by denaturing gradient electrophoresis. Expression of GLI3 in the ICTEV patients' disease tissues was assessed by reverse transcription PCR. Following generation of rat model for ICTEV, mRNA and protein levels of GLI3 were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: No mutation was found in exons 1 - 8 and 13 of GLI3 gene among the 84 ICTEV patients. No expression of GLI3 gene was detected in the flexor hallucis longus of ICTEV patients or normal controls. Expression of Gli3, in terms of both mRNA and protein, was stronger in the hindlimb of ICTEV rat embryos compared with normal controls. CONCLUSION: Mutation in the coding region of GLI3 may not be responsible for the occurrence of ICTEV. However, there may still be connection between abnormal expression of the gene and pathogenesis of ICTEV.