Genetic Correlation of HBB, HFE and HAMP Genes to Endocrinal Complications in Egyptian Beta Thalassemia Major Patients.

Iron loading is regarded as the primary cause of endocrine abnormalities in thalassemia major patients. Thus, the purpose of the current research was to explore the impact of thalassemia genotypes, hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) and hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE) gene variants, and hepcidin expression on serum ferritin and endocrinal complications in thalassemia patients. The study comprised fifty beta-thalassemia cases and fifty age- and sex-matched controls. Genotyping of the Beta-globin gene (HBB), HAMP, and exon 2 of the HFE gene was performed using Sanger sequencing. C282Y (c.845G > A) variant of the HFE gene was determined by PCR-RFLP. Hepcidin mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. Biochemical and hormonal studies were done for all patients. Hypogonadism and short stature were found in 56% and 20% of the investigated cases, respectively. Molecular studies reported a statistically higher frequency of the HAMP variant c.-582A > G in thalassemic patients than controls. Significant downregulation of hepcidin expression was found in cases compared to healthy subjects that was significantly associated with short stature. Considering the thalassemia alleles, the IVSI.1G > A (ß0) allele was statistically related to hypogonadism. Our results proposed that thalassemia genotypes and downregulated hepcidin expression were the potential risk factors for endocrinopathies in our cases. We also demonstrated an increased incidence of the HAMP promoter variant c.- 582A > G that might have a role in the pathogenesis of iron overload in thalassemic cases. Significant downregulation of hepcidin expression, that contributes to increased iron burden, could be used as a future therapeutic target in these patients.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum and clinical severity associated with WLS gene.

WLS (Wnt ligand secretion mediator or Wntless) orchestrates the secretion of all Wnt proteins, a family of evolutionary conserved proteins, involved in Wnt signaling pathway that has many essential biological functions including the regulation of development, cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Biallelic variants in WLS have recently been described in 10 patients with pleiotropic multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) known as Zaki syndrome. We identified a likely disease-causing variant in WLS (c.1579G>A, p.Gly527Arg) in a boy presented with a broad range of MCA including microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, alopecia, ophthalmologic anomalies, and complete soft tissue syndactyly. These features were reminiscent of Zaki syndrome although variable clinical severity was observed. In a detailed clinical assessment, our patient also displayed microphthalmia, dental anomalies, skeletal dysplasia with spontaneous fractures and Dandy-Walker malformation. As such, we extend the phenotype linked to Zaki syndrome. This study further highlights the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation to delineate the phenotypic spectrum associated with WLS variants and suggests that genotype-phenotype correlations due to variant localization seems likely. However, future work on additional patients and more functional studies may give further insights into genotype-phenotype correlations and the complex function of WLS.

Consanguinity and Inbreeding in Health and Disease in North African Populations.

North Africa is defined as the geographical region separated from the rest of the continent by the Sahara and from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea. The main demographic features of North African populations are their familial structure and high rates of familial and geographic endogamy, which have a proven impact on health, particularly the occurrence of genetic diseases, with a greater effect on the frequency and spectrum of the rarest forms of autosomal recessive genetic diseases. More than 500 different genetic diseases have been reported in this region, most of which are autosomal recessive. During the last few decades, there has been great interest in the molecular investigation of large consanguineous North African families. The development of local capacities has brought a substantial improvement in the molecular characterization of these diseases, but the genetic bases of half of them remain unknown. Diseases of known molecular etiology are characterized by their genetic and mutational heterogeneity, although some founder mutations are encountered relatively frequently. Some founder mutations are specific to a single country or a specific ethnic or geographic group, and others are shared by all North African countries or worldwide. The impact of consanguinity on common multifactorial diseases is less evident.

The clinical utility of polygenic risk scores in genomic medicine practices: a systematic review.

Genomic medicine aims to improve health using the individual genomic data of people to inform care. While clinical utility of genomic medicine in many monogenic, Mendelian disorders is amply demonstrated, clinical utility is less evident in polygenic traits, e.g., coronary artery disease or breast cancer. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are subsets of individual genotypes designed to capture heritability of common traits, and hence to allow the stratification of risk of the trait in a population. We systematically reviewed the PubMed database for unequivocal evidence of clinical utility of polygenic risk scores, using stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. While we identified studies demonstrating clinical validity in conditions where medical intervention based on a PRS is likely to benefit patient outcome, we did not identify a single study demonstrating unequivocally such a benefit, i.e. clinical utility. We conclude that while the routine use of PRSs hold great promise, translational research is still needed before they should enter mainstream clinical practice.

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II: Additional nine patients with implications on phenotype and genotype correlation.

PCNT encodes a large coiled- protein localizing to pericentriolar material and is associated with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II syndrome (MOPD II). We report our experience of nine new patients from seven unrelated consanguineous Egyptian families with the distinctive clinical features of MOPD II in whom a customized NGS panel showed homozygous truncating variants of PCNT. The NGS panel results were validated thereafter using Sanger sequencing revealing three previously reported and three novel PCNT pathogenic variants. The core phenotype appeared homogeneous to what had been reported before although patients differed in the severity showing inter and intra familial variability. The orodental pattern showed atrophic alveolar ridge (five patients), rootless tooth (four patients), tooth agenesis (three patients), and malformed tooth (three patients). In addition, mesiodens was a novel finding found in one patient. The novel c.9394-1G>T variant was found in two sibs who had tooth agenesis. CNS anomalies with possible vascular sequelae were documented in two male patients (22.2%). Simplified gyral pattern with poor development of the frontal horns of lateral ventricles was seen in four patients and mild thinning of the corpus callosum in two patients. Unilateral coronal craniosynstosis was noted in one patient and thick but short corpus callosum was an unusual finding noted in another. The later has not been reported before. Our results refine the clinical, neuroradiological, and orodental features and expand the molecular spectrum of MOPD II.

Lenz-Majewski syndrome in a patient from Egypt.

Lenz-Majewski syndrome (LMS) is an extremely rare type of cutis laxa caused by dominant mutations in PTDSS1 gene. We report an Egyptian patient who presented with cutis laxa, brachydactyly, and progeroid features. LMS syndrome was suspected and a previously reported de novo heterozygous missense mutation (c.284G > T, p.R95L) in PTDSS1 was identified. To the best of our knowledge, nine molecularly proven patients with LMS from different ethnicities have been reported. Our patient is the first report from the Middle East and the tenth molecularly proven patient reported to date. His clinical features were in accordance with LMS syndrome. In addition, his hands X-ray images showed hypoplastic or absent middle and proximal phalanges but sparing the thumbs. This hand patterning was similarly observed before. Further, he had relatively large and convex fingernails. Our report highlights this unique hand patterning and suggests these signs should be considered among the diagnostic criteria of LMS. Further reports of patients with PTDSS1 mutations are necessary to further elucidate the detailed clinical features of LMS syndrome.

Concise Review: Getting to the Core of Inherited Bone Marrow Failures.

Bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS) are a group of disorders with complex pathophysiology characterized by a common phenotype of peripheral cytopenia and/or hypoplastic bone marrow. Understanding genetic factors contributing to the pathophysiology of BMFS has enabled the identification of causative genes and development of diagnostic tests. To date more than 40 mutations in genes involved in maintenance of genomic stability, DNA repair, ribosome and telomere biology have been identified. In addition, pathophysiological studies have provided insights into several biological pathways leading to the characterization of genotype/phenotype correlations as well as the development of diagnostic approaches and management strategies. Recent developments in bone marrow transplant techniques and the choice of conditioning regimens have helped improve transplant outcomes. However, current morbidity and mortality remain unacceptable underlining the need for further research in this area. Studies in mice have largely been unable to mimic disease phenotype in humans due to difficulties in fully replicating the human mutations and the differences between mouse and human cells with regard to telomere length regulation, processing of reactive oxygen species and lifespan. Recent advances in induced pluripotency have provided novel insights into disease pathogenesis and have generated excellent platforms for identifying signaling pathways and functional mapping of haplo-insufficient genes involved in large-scale chromosomal deletions-associated disorders. In this review, we have summarized the current state of knowledge in the field of BMFS with specific focus on modeling the inherited forms and how to best utilize these models for the development of targeted therapies. Stem Cells 2017;35:284-298.

Can myocardial remodeling be a useful surrogate predictor of myocardial iron load? A 3D echocardiographic multicentric study.

The relationship between myocardial iron load and eccentric myocardial remodeling remains an under-investigated area; it was thought that remodeling is rather linked to fibrosis. This study aims to determine whether or not measures of remodeling can be used as predictors of myocardial iron. For this purpose, 60 patients with thalassemia were studied with 3D echocardiography and myocardial relaxometry (T2*) by Cardiac MRI. 3D derived sphericity index was significantly higher in patients with myocardial iron load. It was correlated with T2* with a 100% sensitivity and specificity (cut-off value of 0.34) to discriminate between patients with and without myocardial iron overload.

Quality of Life Outcomes in a Pediatric Thalassemia Population in Egypt.

Thalassemia is a disorder of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis characterized by chronic hemolysis. In ß-thalassemias major (ß-TM), patients require regular transfusion at an early age due to severe anemia. Subsequently, intensive chelation therapy is initiated to mitigate the effects of the resultant iron overload. Clinical disease burden and the demanding treatment can affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in this population. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL outcomes in Egyptian pediatric thalassemia patients. Patients were enrolled simultaneously from the hematology clinic at the National Research Institute in Cairo, Egypt. The Arabic version of SF36 tool was used to assess HRQoL outcomes. Socioeconomic data were collected by patient and parent interviews. Clinical data were collected by review of medical records. One hundred and thirty patients and 60 controls were enrolled, with a mean age of 5.4 ± 3.2 years and 6.3 ± 3.0, respectively. The HRQoL outcome scores were lower in all domains in the thalassemia group compared to the control group (p = 0.0001). Transfusion-dependent (TD) patients had lower HRQoL scores compared to nontransfusion-dependent (NTD) patients (p = 0.0001). Patient education and maternal education were independently associated with better HRQoL scores (p = 0.007, p = 0.028, respectively). Residents of rural areas reported lower scores compared to urban residents (p = 0.026). Thalassemia was associated with lower HRQoL scores, in all domains, compared to HRQoL in unaffected controls. Chronic transfusion independence, patient education, and maternal education were all associated with higher HRQoL scores. Psychological, social, and economic support for families with thalassemia are all essential tools to improve HRQoL outcomes.

Application of Genomic Medicine in Africa: 14th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and the 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics, Rabat, Morocco 2022.

The 14th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Morocco Meeting and 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 12 through 17, 2022, brought together 298 attendees from 23 countries, organized by the AfSHG in collaboration with the SM2GH. The conference's overarching theme was "Applications of Genomics Medicine in Africa," covering a wide range of topics, including population genetics, genetics of infectious diseases, hereditary disorders, cancer genetics, and translational genetics. The conference aimed to address the lag in the field of genetics in Africa and highlight the potential for genetic research and personalized medicine on the continent. The goal was to improve the health of African populations and global communities while nurturing the careers of young African scientists in the field. Distinguished scientists from around the world shared their recent findings in genetics, immunogenetics, genomics, genome editing, immunotherapy, and ethics genomics. Precongress activities included a 2-day bioinformatics workshop, "NGS Analysis for Monogenic Disease in African Populations," and a Young Investigators Forum, providing opportunities for young African researchers to showcase their work. The vast genetic diversity of the African continent poses a significant challenge in investigating and characterizing public health issues at the genetic and functional levels. Training, research, and the development of expertise in genetics, immunology, genomics, and bioinformatics are vital for addressing these challenges and advancing genetics in Africa. The AfSHG is committed to leading efforts to enhance genetic research, coordinate training, and foster research collaborations on the continent.

Global Globin Network and adopting genomic variant database requirements for thalassemia.

Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent monogenic disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There are an estimated 270 million carriers of hemoglobinopathies (abnormal hemoglobins and/or thalassemia) worldwide, necessitating global methods and solutions for effective and optimal therapy. LMICs are disproportionately impacted by thalassemia, and due to disparities in genomics awareness and diagnostic resources, certain LMICs lag behind high-income countries (HICs). This spurred the establishment of the Global Globin Network (GGN) in 2015 at UNESCO, Paris, as a project-wide endeavor within the Human Variome Project (HVP). Primarily aimed at enhancing thalassemia clinical services, research, and genomic diagnostic capabilities with a focus on LMIC needs, GGN aims to foster data collection in a shared database by all affected nations, thus improving data sharing and thalassemia management. In this paper, we propose a minimum requirement for establishing a genomic database in thalassemia based on the HVP database guidelines. We suggest using an existing platform recommended by HVP, the Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) (https://www.lovd.nl/). Adoption of our proposed criteria will assist in improving or supplementing the existing databases, allowing for better-quality services for individuals with thalassemia. Database URL: https://www.lovd.nl/.

Outlining the Clinical Profile of TCIRG1 14 Variants including 5 Novels with Overview of ARO Phenotype and Ethnic Impact in 20 Egyptian Families.

TCIRG1 gene mutations underlie osteopetrosis, a rare genetic disorder impacting osteoclast function with consequent brittle bones prone to fracture, in spite of being characterized by increased bone density. The disorder is known to exhibit marked genetic heterogeneity, has no treatment, and is lethal in most instances. There are reports of ethnic variations affecting bone mineral density and variants' expression as diverse phenotypes even within individuals descending from the same pedigree. We herein focus on one of osteopetrosis's three types: the autosomal recessive malignant form (MIM 259700) (ARO) that is almost always associated with severe clinical symptoms. We reviewed the results of about 1800 Egyptian exomes and we did not detect similar variants within our Egyptian dataset and secondary neurological deficit. We studied twenty Egyptian families: sixteen ARO patients, ten carrier parents with at least one ARO affected sib, and two fetuses. They were all subjected to thorough evaluation and TCIRG1 gene sequencing. Our results of twenty-eight individuals descending from twenty Egyptian pedigrees with at least one ARO patient, expand the phenotype as well as genotype spectrum of recessive mutations in the TCIRG1 gene by five novel pathogenic variants. Identifying TCIRG1 gene mutations in Egyptian patients with ARO allowed the provision of proper genetic counseling, carrier detection, and prenatal diagnosis starting with two families included herein. It also could pave the way to modern genomic therapeutic approaches.

Studying the pathogenicity of 26 variants characterized in the first molecular analyses of Egyptian aplastic anemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a bone marrow disorder characterized by peripheral pancytopenia and marrow hypoplasia which can lead to life-threatening complications. Our objective was to study the telomerase genes (TERT and TERC) variants, explore their relationship to telomere shortening and TERT gene expression, and to identify variants in the MPL gene within Egyptian AA patients. METHODS: Forty AA patients and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals as the control group were studied through sequencing of TERT, TERC, and MPL genes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for measuring TERT gene expression. Telomere length (TL) was measured using the Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Q-FISH) technique. In silico analysis was performed for the prediction of the pathogenicity of resultant variants. RESULTS: Sequencing of MPL, TERT, and TERC genes identified 26 variants. Eleven variants were identified in the MPL gene. Three of them are pathogenic: two missense [c.305 G>A, c.1589 C>T] and one splice site [g.9130T>G]. TERT gene sequencing showed thirteen variants, among them, four novel [c.484G>A, c.499G>A, c.512G>A, c.3164C>G] and two previously reported [c.835G>A, c.2031C>T] were predicted to be pathogenic. Two variants were characterized within the TERC gene; n.514A>G and n.463 C>T. TERT gene expression was downregulated in 70% of studied patients and the Q-FISH technique detected telomere shortening in 82.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-six pathogenic and benign variants within the TERC, TERT, and MPL genes were identified among the studied AA patients that were in several cases associated with shortened telomeres and/or lower TERT gene expression. Genotype/phenotype correlation in AA patients is of great importance in explaining the disease severity and guiding therapeutic decisions.

Correlating SFTPC gene variants to interstitial lung disease in Egyptian children.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad heterogeneous group of lung disorders that is characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Surfactant dysfunction disorders are a rare form of ILD diseases that result from mutations in surfactant protein C gene (SFTPC) with prevalence of approximately 1/1.7 million births. SFTPC patients are presented with clinical manifestations of ILD ranging from fatal respiratory failure of newborn to chronic respiratory problems in children. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the spectrum of SFTPC genetic variants as well as the correlation of the SFTPC gene mutations with ILD disease in twenty unrelated Egyptian children with diffuse lung disease and suspected surfactant dysfunction using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Sequencing of SFTPC gene revealed five variants: c.42+35G>A (IVS1+35G>A) (rs8192340) and c.43-21T>C (IVS1-21T>C) (rs13248346) in intron 1, c.436-8C>G (IVS4-8C>G) (rs2070687) in intron 4, c.413C>A p.T138N (rs4715) in exon 4, and c.557G>Ap.S186N (rs1124) in exon 5. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the association of detecting variants of SFTPC with surfactant dysfunction disorders.

Confirmation of a Phenotypic Entity for TSPEAR Variants in Egyptian Ectodermal Dysplasia Patients and Role of Ethnicity.

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) are hereditary disorders characterized by the disturbance of the ectodermal development of at least two of four ectodermal tissues: teeth, hair, nails and sweat glands. Clinical classification of ED is challenged by overlapping features, variable expressivity, and low number of patients, hindering full phenotypic spectrum identification. Disease-causing variants in elements of major developmental pathways, e.g., Ectodysplasin/NFκB, Wnt, and Tp63 pathways, have been identified in fewer than half of ED phenotypes. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for ten Egyptian ED patients presenting with tooth agenesis, normal sweating, scalp hypotrichosis, and sharing characteristic facial features. WES was followed by in silico analysis of the effects of novel detected genetic variants on mRNA and protein structure. The study identified four novel rare pathogenic and likely pathogenic TSPEAR variants, a gene which was recently found to be involved in ectodermal organogenesis. A novel in-frame deletion recurred in eight patients from six unrelated families. Comparing our cohort to previously reported TSPEAR cohorts highlighted the influence of ethnicity on TSPEAR phenotypic affection. Our study expands the clinical and mutational spectrum of the growing TSPEAR associated phenotypes, and pinpoints the influence of WES and in silico tools on identification of rare disease-causing variants.

"Black Lives Matter and Black Research Matters": the African Society of Human Genetics' call to halt racism in science.

The African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) was formed to provide a forum for human genetics and genomics scientists in Africa to interact, network, and collaborate. This is critical to facilitate development of solutions to the public health burden of many rare and common diseases across the continent. AfSHG fully supports the Black Lives Matter movement, which is dedicated to fighting racism and ensuring that society values the lives and humanity of Black people. The AfSHG would like to add its "voice" to the public outcry against racism sparked by George Floyd's death and to declare its commitment to ensuring that injustice and systematic racism, as well as abuse and exploitation of Africans and their biological material, are no longer tolerated. This is particularly relevant now as African genomic variation is poised to make significant contributions across several disciplines including ancestry, personalized medicine, and novel drug discovery. "Black Lives Matter and Black Research Matters" is AfSHG's call for the global community to support halting, and reversing, the perpetuation of exploitation of African people through neocolonial malpractices in genomic research. We also propose five key ways to curb racism in science, so that we can move forward together, with a common humanity, collectively embracing scientific endeavors.

Global Globin Network Consensus Paper: Classification and Stratified Roadmaps for Improved Thalassaemia Care and Prevention in 32 Countries.

The Global Globin Network (GGN) is a project-wide initiative of the Human Variome/Global Variome Project (HVP) focusing on haemoglobinopathies to build the capacity for genomic diagnosis, clinical services, and research in low- and middle-income countries. At present, there is no framework to evaluate the improvement of care, treatment, and prevention of thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies globally, despite thalassaemia being one of the most common monogenic diseases worldwide. Here, we propose a universally applicable system for evaluating and grouping countries based on qualitative indicators according to the quality of care, treatment, and prevention of haemoglobinopathies. We also apply this system to GGN countries as proof of principle. To this end, qualitative indicators were extracted from the IthaMaps database of the ITHANET portal, which allowed four groups of countries (A, B, C, and D) to be defined based on major qualitative indicators, supported by minor qualitative indicators for countries with limited resource settings and by the overall haemoglobinopathy carrier frequency for the target countries of immigration. The proposed rubrics and accumulative scores will help analyse the performance and improvement of care, treatment, and prevention of haemoglobinopathies in the GGN and beyond. Our proposed criteria complement future data collection from GGN countries to help monitor the quality of services for haemoglobinopathies, provide ongoing estimates for services and epidemiology in GGN countries, and note the contribution of the GGN to a local and global reduction of disease burden.

A homozygous mutation in RNU4ATAC as a cause of microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type I (MOPD I) with associated pigmentary disorder.

The designation microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism (MOPD) refers to a group of autosomal recessive disorders, comprising microcephaly, growth retardation, and a skeletal dysplasia. The different types of MOPD have been delineated on the basis of clinical, radiological, and genetic criteria. We describe two brothers, born to healthy, consanguineous parents, with intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly with abnormal gyral pattern and partial agenesis of corpus callosum, and skeletal anomalies reminiscent of those described in MOPD type I. This was confirmed by the identification of the homozygous g.55G > A mutation of RNU4ATAC encoding U4atac snRNA. The sibs had yellowish-gray hair, fair skin, and deficient retinal pigmentation. Skin biopsy showed abnormal melanin function but OCA genes were normal. The older sib had an intracranial hemorrhage at 1 week after birth, the younger developed chilblains-like lesions at the age 2½ years old but analysis of the SAMHD1 and TREX1 genes did not show any mutations. To the best of our knowledge, vasculopathy and pigmentary disorders have not been reported in MOPD I.

Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Xeroderma Pigmentosum in Egypt: Identification of Six Novel Mutations and Implications for Ancestral Origins.

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare autosomal recessive skin disorder characterized by freckle-like dry pigmented skin, photosensitivity, and photophobia. Skin and ocular symptoms are confined to sun exposed areas of the body. Patients have markedly increased risk for UV-induced skin, ocular, and oral cancers. Some patients develop neurodegenerative symptoms, including diminished tendon reflexes and microcephaly. In this study, we describe clinical and genetic findings of 36 XP patients from Egypt, a highly consanguineous population from North Africa. Thorough clinical evaluation followed by Sanger sequencing of XPA and XPC genes were done. Six novel and seven previously reported mutations were identified. Phenotype-genotype correlation was investigated. We report clinical and molecular findings consistent with previous reports of countries sharing common population structure, and geographical and historical backgrounds with implications on common ancestral origins and historical migration flows. Clinical and genetic profiling improves diagnosis, management, counselling, and implementation of future targeted therapies.

Defining the molecular pathology and consequent phenotypes in Egyptian HB patients.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia B (HB) (also known as Christmas disease) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by spontaneous or prolonged hemorrhages caused by mutations in Factor 9 (F9) gene leading to deficient or defective coagulation F9. Our study aimed at identifying the causative mutations within a sample of HB Egyptian patients. The present study comprised clinical data of eleven HB patients descending from six unrelated families and a seventh family including a carrier mother with a history of deceased HB sibling. Sequencing of F9 gene was performed. RESULTS: The study revealed four mutations; two missense NM_000133.3:c.676C>G, (P.Arg226Gly) and NM_000133.3:c.1305T>G, (p.Cys435Trp), and two nonsense mutations NM_000133.3:c.880C>T, (p.Arg294*) and NM_000133.3:c.1150C>T, (p.Arg384*), identified mutations spanned exons 6 and 8 of which a total of three mutations are located in hotspot exon 8 of F9 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewing the literature, this is the first molecular analysis of F9 gene in HB Egyptian patients. Consistent genotype/phenotypic severity correlation could be concluded, helping proper genetic counseling and prenatal decision taking.