First report of a de novo mutation at SLC20A2 in a patient with brain calcification.

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is identified by mineralization of the basal ganglia and other brain regions in the absence of known causes. The condition is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and can manifest itself clinically with neuropsychiatric symptoms such as Parkinsonism, headaches, psychosis, and mood swings. Mutations in the SLC20A2 gene account for ~40% of inherited cases, and this gene encodes an inorganic phosphate transporter (PiT-2), a transmembrane protein associated with Pi homeostasis. The p.Y386X mutation in SLC20A2 was identified in a patient who presented migraines, brain calcification, and mild but chronic hypovitaminosis D. SLC20A2 c.1158C > G single-nucleotide heterozygous mutation results in a premature stop codon and a putative truncated protein of 385 amino acids. Proband parents do not present the mutation, which is also not present in major public SNP databases, suggesting a de novo sporadic trait. This study describes for the first time a de novo SLC20A2 mutation in a PFBC patient with migraine and mild hypovitaminosis D. This data further reinforces the pathogenic role of SLC20A2 mutations as causal factors in PFBC physiopathology.

Divalent metal ion mediated interaction of proteins with negatively charged membranes. A model study employing molecular mechanics.

Previous molecular mechanics calculations on the effect of Ca(II) and Mg(II) ions on the conformation of the 18-23 loop of bovine prothrombin [Maynard et al. 1988, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 31, 137-149] are extended to include the effect of a model phospholipid head group methyl[L-seryl] phosphate. Whereas the conformation of the Gla-21 Pro-22 amide bond remains decidedly trans in the absence of the model head group, in its presence, the cis Ca(II) ion induced (but not Mg(II] form is significantly lowered in relative energy. The low energy Ca(II) structures establish a coordination sphere with more ligands than do the low energy Mg(II) ion structures.