Conclusions
These results add to the list of known mutations in TULP1 identified in individuals with RP and suggest a possible unique pathogenic mechanism in TULP1-induced RP, which may be shared among select mutations in TULP1.
Methods
We performed a complete ophthalmologic examination of the proband followed by exome sequencing. The likely causative mutation was identified and modeled in cultured cells, evaluating its expression, solubility (both with western blotting), subcellular distribution, (confocal microscopy), and testing whether this variant induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (quantitative PCR [qPCR] and western blotting).
Purpose
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disorder that
Results
The proband presented with generalized and parafoveal retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy with bone spicule-like pigmentation in the midperiphery and arteriolar attenuation. Optical coherence tomography scans through the macula of both eyes showed atrophy of the outer retinal layers with loss of the ellipsoid zone, whereas the systemic examination of this individual was normal. The proband's parents and sibling were asymptomatic and had normal funduscopic examinations. We discovered a novel homozygous p.Pro388Ser mutation in the tubby-like protein 1 (TULP1) gene in the individual with RP. In cultured cells, the P388S mutation does not alter the subcellular distribution of TULP1 or induce ER stress when compared to wild-type TULP1, but instead significantly lowers protein stability as indicated with steady-state and cycloheximide-chase experiments. Conclusions: These results add to the list of known mutations in TULP1 identified in individuals with RP and suggest a possible unique pathogenic mechanism in TULP1-induced RP, which may be shared among select mutations in TULP1.