Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the TIGR/MYOCILIN gene promoter with the severity of primary open-angle glaucoma

Clin Genet. 2001 Sep;60(3):220-5. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2001.600308.x.

Abstract

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a highly prevalent optic neuropathy and a major cause of irreversible blindness, with elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) being a primary risk factor. The trabecular meshwork-inducible glucocorticoid response (TIGR)/MYOCILIN (MYOC) gene coding region is mutated in 3-4% of POAG patients. Here, in a retrospective study of 142 POAG patients, we evaluated the influence on glaucoma phenotype of a novel biallelic polymorphism (-1000C/G) located in the upstream region of the MYOC gene. Allele frequencies were similar among patients and controls. However, the G allele (frequency 17.6%), also designated as MYOC.mt1, was associated with an increased IOP (+4.9 mmHg, p=0.0004) and a more damaged visual field (p=0.02). Both effects were predominant in females. Moreover, whereas IOP in MYOC.mt1 noncarriers decreased very markedly to the normal range between diagnosis and inclusion in the study (p=3 x 10(-5) in both males and females), reflecting successful therapy, it decreased less noticeably in MYOC.mt1+ male patients (p=0.005) and not at all in MYOC.mt1+ female patients. MYOC.mt1 appears therefore to be an indicator of poor IOP control and greater visual field damage in diagnosed POAG patients, potentially due to a lack of response to therapeutic intervention. Its typing might help in the selection of treatment paradigms for the management of POAG patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Eye Proteins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / genetics*
  • Glycoproteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Eye Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • trabecular meshwork-induced glucocorticoid response protein