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bestrophin 1
The BEST1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called bestrophin-1, which appears to play a critical role in normal vision. Bestrophin-1 is found in a thin layer of cells at the back of the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium. This cell layer supports and nourishes the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. The retinal pigment epithelium is involved in the growth and development of the eye, maintenance of the retina, and the normal function of specialized cells called photoreceptors that detect light and color.
Bestrophin-1 functions as a channel across cell membranes in the retinal pigment epithelium. Charged chlorine atoms (chloride ions) are transported through these channels in response to cellular signals. Some studies suggest that bestrophin-1 may also help regulate the entry of charged calcium atoms (calcium ions) into cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. Other potential functions of bestrophin-1 are under study.
More than 100 mutations in the BEST1 gene have been identified in people with vitelliform macular dystrophy. These mutations can cause either the early-onset form of the disorder (known as Best disease) or the adult-onset form. Both types of vitelliform macular dystrophy are characterized by the buildup of a fatty yellow pigment (lipofuscin) in cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. Over time, the abnormal accumulation of this substance can damage the photoreceptors that are critical for sharp central vision.
Most BEST1 mutations involved in vitelliform macular dystrophy change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in bestrophin-1. The altered protein probably forms an abnormally shaped channel that cannot properly regulate the flow of chloride ions into or out of cells in the retinal pigment epithelium. It remains unclear how this defect is related to the buildup of lipofuscin and a progressive loss of central vision in people with vitelliform macular dystrophy.
Age-related macular degeneration
BEST1 gene mutations can cause a rare eye disorder called autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC); at least four mutations in this gene have been found in affected individuals. ADVIRC is characterized by abnormalities of the clear gel that fills the eye (the vitreous), the retina, and the network of blood vessels within the retina (the choroid). These abnormalities can lead to vision impairment.
BEST1 gene mutations involved in ADVIRC change single DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in the gene. These changes alter how the gene's instructions are used to make bestrophin-1, which leads to production of versions of the protein that are missing certain segments or have extra segments. It is not clear how these versions of bestrophin-1 affect chloride ion transport or lead to the eye abnormalities characteristic of ADVIRC. Researchers suspect that the abnormalities are related to defects in the retinal pigment epithelium or the photoreceptors.
Retinitis pigmentosa
BEST1 gene mutations cause several additional eye disorders. For example, mutations in this gene have been found in individuals who have eye abnormalities such as increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma); clouding of the lens (cataracts); and a condition called nanophthalmos, which is characterized by very small eyes and extreme farsightedness. These eye abnormalities may be related to defects in the retinal pigment epithelium.
A recently described eye disorder called autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) is also caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. This condition is characterized by progressive vision loss and an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Autosomal recessive inheritance means affected individuals have mutations in both copies of the BEST1 gene in each cell. The mutations that cause ARB alter the structure of bestrophin-1 or prevent production of the protein. Abnormalities or loss of bestrophin-1 impairs the flow of chloride ions into or out of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. It is unclear how changes in bestrophin-1 lead to vision loss in people with this disorder.
BEST1 gene mutations have also been found in a small number of individuals with eye abnormalities similar to those in retinitis pigmentosa, although some doctors think these individuals have a form of ADVIRC or ARB (described above). Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of related eye disorders that occurs when photoreceptors in the retina gradually deteriorate, leading to vision loss. The BEST1 gene mutations involved in retinitis pigmentosa appear to impair the flow of chloride ions, but it is unclear how these changes lead to the vision problems of this disorder.
Additionally, researchers have studied BEST1 gene mutations related to age-related macular degeneration. This eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss among older people worldwide. Mutations in the BEST1 gene have been found in a small number of people with age-related macular degeneration, although it is not clear if the mutations are involved in the development of the condition. Changes in the BEST1 gene are probably not a major risk factor for this common eye disorder. A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely determine the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.