Transthyretin-Related Hereditary Amyloidosis in a Chinese Family with TTR Y114C Mutation

Background: Transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Corresponding to the various transthyretin gene mutations and a wide range of geographical distribution, transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis presents diverse characteristics in genotype-phenotype correlation. Objective/Method: Here, we identify the clinical characteristics of a Chinese family affected by transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis with TTR Tyr114Cys mutation. Results/Conclusion: The pathogenic mechanism studies showed that the protein encoded by TTR Tyr114Cys is more easily depolymerized to form amyloid fibrils. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the TTR Tyr114Cys may be attributed to its ability to persistently activate the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel