Mutation analysis of CRYBB1 gene and prenatal diagnosis for a Chinese kindred featuring autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract / 中华医学遗传学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform mutation screening and prenatal diagnosis for a five-generation Chinese pedigree with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract from Henan province by DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood samples were taken from the family members. Four candidate genes (CRYBA1/A3, CRYBB1, CRYBB2 and CRYGD) were screened for mutations using direct sequencing. Prenatal genetic diagnosis was provided for a fetus at early gestation through chorionic villus sampling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A missense mutation, c.387C to A, was detected in exon 4 of the CRYBB1 gene in all of the patients. The mutation has resulted in a p.S129R transversion. The same mutation was not found in the fetus of the proband, who was confirmed to be healthy by one-year follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A missense mutation p.S129R of the CRYBB1 gene probably underlies the autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract in this pedigree. Detection of the mutation also facilitated prenatal genetic testing for the family.</p>