Abstract
Aims/hypothesis. Molecular defects of the genes for transcription factors, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α, HNF-1α, HNF-1β and insulin promoter factor-1 cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY1, 3, 5, and 4, respectively). This suggests the HNF-related transcription cascade is important in insulin secretion which is induced by glucose. These genes and the gene encoding glycolytic enzyme glucokinase (MODY2) are, however, responsible for only 15–20 % of cases of MODY in the Japanese. Searching for a novel form of MODY in this population, we cloned a new candidate gene encoding human HNF-3β, a winged helix transcription factor, which also belongs to the same HNF-transcription cascade.¶Methods. The cDNA clone for human HNF-3β was isolated from a liver cDNA library. The gene was also cloned from a genomic library and its organization and chromosomal localization were determined. We screened 68 Japanese subjects with MODY/early-onset diabetes for mutations in this gene.¶Results. Human HNF-3β is composed of 457 amino acids. The human gene, which was mapped to the segment 30 cR from SHGC-37 039 on chromosome 20 p by radiation hybrid mapping, spans approximately 4.5 kb and consists of three exons. Direct sequencing of the exons and flanking regions identified one missense mutation A328 V and seven polymorphisms, although the functional significance of the mutation in the pathogenesis of diabetes is not known.¶Conclusion/interpretation. The characterization of the structure of the HNF-3β gene and its mapping in the framework of markers will be helpful in genetic studies of the various forms of diabetes mellitus. [Diabetologia (2000) 43: 121–124]
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 16 June 1999 and in revised form: 12 July 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yamada, S., Zhu, Q., Aihara, Y. et al. Cloning of cDNA and the gene encoding human hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3β and mutation screening in Japanese subjects with maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Diabetologia 43, 121–124 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001250050016
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001250050016