Clinical and molecular aspects of Gaucher disease in New Zealand

Abstract

Aim. To report on the clinical and molecular aspects of Gaucher disease in New Zealand. Methods. Patients known to have Gaucher disease were contacted and clinical information was recorded by questionnaire. Blood samples from affected individuals and their families provided DNA material for mutation analysis of disease causing alleles. Patients were assayed for beta-glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme deficiency which causes Gaucher disease. Results. Twelve of 14 patients and 10 carriers were confirmed by DNA analysis. One asymptomatic individual was diagnosed. Four known mutations (N370S, 1444p, R463c and RecNcIl) and one unknown mutation were found from the 34 disease producing alleles that wer..