A Novel PRPF31 Mutation in a Large Chinese Family with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa and Macular Degeneration

Fang Lu,Jiyun Yang,Shi Ma,Guiquan Sha,Lifeng Qiao,Yi Shi,Hong Zheng,Zhenglin Yang,Bo Gong,Lulin Huang,Chuntao Lei,Jing Cheng,Xiaoqi Liu,Xianjun Zhu,He Lin,Ying Lin,Balraj Mittal

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0078274

Abstract

PurposeThis study was intended to identify the disease causing genes in a large Chinese family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.MethodsA genome scan analysis was conducted in this family for disease gene preliminary mapping. Snapshot analysis of selected SNPs for two-point LOD score analysis for candidate gene filter. Candidate gene PRPF31 whole exons' sequencing was executed to identify mutations.ResultsA novel nonsense mutation caused by an insertion was found in PRPF31 gene. All the 19 RP patients in 1085 family are carrying this heterozygous nonsense mutation. The nonsense mutation is in PRPF31 gene exon9 at chr19:54629961-54629961, inserting nucleotide “A” that generates the coding protein frame shift from p.307 and early termination at p.322 in the snoRNA binding domain (NOP domain).ConclusionThis report is the first to associate PRPF31 gene's nonsense mutation and adRP and JMD. Our findings revealed that PRPF31 can lead to different clinical phenotypes in the same family, resulting either in adRP or syndrome of adRP and JMD. We believe our identification of the novel “A” insertion mutation in exon9 at chr19:54629961-54629961 in PRPF31 can provide further genetic evidence for clinical test for adRP and JMD.

Highlights

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration (MD) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of retinal dystrophies characterized by the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, eventually resulting in severe visual impairment or blindness [1]
RP and MD are typically characterized as types of rod-cone dystrophy that are caused by the cell death of rod and cone photoreceptors
RP is characterized by a loss of peripheral vision, whereas MD is characterized by a loss of central vision

Summary

Introduction

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration (MD) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of retinal dystrophies characterized by the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, eventually resulting in severe visual impairment or blindness [1]. RP and MD are typically characterized as types of rod-cone dystrophy that are caused by the cell death of rod and cone photoreceptors. RP can be divided into autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X -linked hereditary types [2]. MD can have a dominant or recessive inheritance pattern. MD or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 55 years. Juvenile macular degeneration (JMD) is a rare disease that causes central vision loss, often beginning in childhood or young adulthood. There have been no effective measures for RP and MD prevention and treatment

Methods

Results

Conclusion