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. 1994 Jun 21;91(13):6059–6063. doi: 10.1073/pnas.91.13.6059

Frameshift mutations at two hotspots in vasopressin transcripts in post-mitotic neurons.

D A Evans 1, A A van der Kleij 1, M A Sonnemans 1, J P Burbach 1, F W van Leeuwen 1
PMCID: PMC44137  PMID: 8016115

Abstract

Mutations in DNA underlie carcinogenesis, inherited pathology, and aging and are generally thought to be introduced during meiosis and mitosis. Here we report that in post-mitotic neurons specific frameshift mutations occur at high frequency. These mutations were identified in vasopressin transcripts in magnocellular neurons of the homozygous Brattleboro rat and predominantly consist of a GA deletion in GAGAG motifs. Immunocytochemistry provides evidence for similar events in wild-type rats. However, the diseased state of the Brattleboro rat, resulting in a permanent activation of vasopressin neurons, enhanced the mutational rate. These data reveal hitherto unrecognized somatic mutations in nondividing neurons.

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Selected References

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