Erythrocytosis associated with a novel missense mutation in the HIF2A gene

Haematologica. 2010 May;95(5):829-32. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2009.017582. Epub 2009 Dec 8.

Abstract

The ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO) gene is regulated by the transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-alpha (HIF-alpha). In this pathway, Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain protein 2 (PHD2) hydroxylates two prolyl residues in HIF-alpha, which in turn promotes HIF-alpha degradation by the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein. Evidence that HIF-2alpha is the important isoform for EPO regulation in humans comes from the recent observation that mutations in the HIF2A gene are associated with cases of erythrocytosis. We report here a new erythrocytosis-associated mutation, p.Asp539Glu, in the HIF2A gene. Similar to all reported cases, the affected residue is in close vicinity and C-terminal to the primary hydroxylation site in HIF-2alpha, Pro531. This mutation, however, is notable in producing a rather subtle amino acid substitution. Nonetheless, we find that this mutation compromises binding of HIF-2alpha to both PHD2 and VHL, and we propose that this mutation is the cause of erythrocytosis in this individual.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mutation, Missense / genetics*
  • Polycythemia / diagnosis*
  • Polycythemia / genetics*

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1