A new point mutation (C446R) in the thyroid hormone receptor-beta gene of a family with resistance to thyroid hormone.

Abstract

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a condition of impaired end-organ responsiveness to thyroid hormone characterized by goiter and elevated thyroid hormone levels with an inappropriately normal TSH. RTH has been associated with mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor-beta (TR beta) gene. We report studies carried out in 21 members of a family (F119), 12 of whom exhibited the RTH phenotype. A point mutation was detected in the T3-binding domain of the TR beta gene. It resulted in replacement of the normal cysteine-446 with an arginine (C446R) that has not been previously reported. The clinical characteristics of this family are similar to those reported in other families with RTH, namely goiter, tachycardia, and learning disabilities. Thyroid function tests are also typical of other subjects with RTH. The mean values (+/- SD) in untreated affected subjects compared to those in unaffected family members were: free T4 index, 250 +/- 21 vs. 108 +/- 13; total T3, 4.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.4 nmol/L; and TSH, 4.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.4 +/- 1.1 mU/L. DNA samples from 18 family members were screened for the TR beta mutation, which results in the loss of a BsmI restriction site, and each of the 11 subjects with abnormal thyroid function tests were heterozygous for the mutant allele. The mutant TR beta expressed in Cos-I cells did not bind T3 (Ka of C446R/wild-type, < 0.05). T3 at a concentration up to 100 nmol/L failed to enhance the transactivation of a reporter gene, and the mutant receptor inhibited the T3-mediated transcriptional activation of the wild-type TR beta.