Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
5
pubmed:dateCreated
2002-4-29
pubmed:abstractText
Galactokinase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism that, if untreated, results in the development of cataracts in the first weeks of life. The disorder is rare worldwide, but has a high incidence among the Roma (Gypsies). In 1999, we reported the founder Romani mutation, P28T, identified in affected families from Bulgaria. Subsequent studies have detected the same mutation in Romani patients from different European countries. The screening of 803 unrelated control individuals of Romani ethnicity from Bulgaria, Hungary, and Spain has shown an overall carrier rate of 1:47 and an expected incidence of affected births about 1:10,000. Using disease haplotype analysis, the age of the P28T mutation was estimated at 750 y, preceding the splits of the proto-Roma into the numerous populations resident in Europe today. The findings suggest that the mutation has spread with the early diaspora of the Roma throughout Europe. Superimposed on this old distribution pattern is the new migration wave of the last decade, with large numbers of Roma moving to Western Europe as a result of the economic changes in the East and the wars in former Yugoslavia. The changing demographic pattern of Romani minorities can be expected to lead to a homogenization of the incidence of "private" Romani disorders and founder mutations. The P28T mutation is thus likely to account for a high proportion of galactokinase deficiency cases across Europe. Mutation-based pilot newborn screening programs would provide current incidence figures and help to design long-term prevention of infantile cataracts due to galactokinase deficiency.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
May
pubmed:issn
0031-3998
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
51
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
602-6
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2002
pubmed:articleTitle
The P28T mutation in the GALK1 gene accounts for galactokinase deficiency in Roma (Gypsy) patients across Europe.
pubmed:affiliation
Centre for Human Genetics, Edith Cowan University, Perth, W.A., Australia.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't