Identification of mutations in the putative ATP-binding domain of the adrenoleukodystrophy gene

The recently identified adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) gene is predicted to encode a peroxisomal protein of 745 amino acids that includes one domain for ATP-binding, termed nucleotide-binding fold (NBF). To determine whether mutations occur in the putative NBF of ALD protein, we analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) exon 6 and 8 that encode most part of this domain in 50 ALD patients. Four amino acid substitutions, three frameshift mutations leading to premature termination signal, and a splicing mutation were identified. These amino acid substitutions occurred at residues highly conserved in other ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins. In addition, a nonsense mutation was detected in exon 4.