DNMT3B mutations and DNA methylation defect define two types of ICF syndrome

YL Jiang, M Rigolet, D Bourc'his, F Nigon… - Human …, 2005 - Wiley Online Library
YL Jiang, M Rigolet, D Bourc'his, F Nigon, I Bokesoy, JP Fryns, M Hulten, P Jonveaux…
Human mutation, 2005Wiley Online Library
ICF syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by variable
immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial abnormalities. Mutations in the catalytic
domain of DNMT3B, a gene encoding a de novo DNA methyltransferase, have been
recognized in a subset of patients. ICF syndrome is a genetic disease directly related to a
genomic methylation defect that mainly affects classical satellites 2 and 3, both components
of constitutive heterochromatin. The variable incidence of DNMT3B mutations and the …
Abstract
ICF syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by variable immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial abnormalities. Mutations in the catalytic domain of DNMT3B, a gene encoding a de novo DNA methyltransferase, have been recognized in a subset of patients. ICF syndrome is a genetic disease directly related to a genomic methylation defect that mainly affects classical satellites 2 and 3, both components of constitutive heterochromatin. The variable incidence of DNMT3B mutations and the differential methylation defect of alpha satellites allow the identification of two types of patients, both showing an undermethylation of classical satellite DNA. This classification illustrates the specificity of the methylation process and raises questions about the genetic heterogeneity of the ICF syndrome. Hum Mutat 25:56–63, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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