ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Whole exome sequencing is a diagnostic approach for the identification of molecular etiology in patients with suspected monogenic diseases. In this article we report on our experience with whole-exome sequencing (WES) of DNA samples taken from patients referred for genetic evaluation due to suspected undiagnosed genetic conditions. METHODS: Exome enrichment was achieved by Nextera Rapid Capture Expanded Exome Kit. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on Illumina HiSeq 2500. Potentially damaging rare variants were selected for familial cosegregation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients presenting a wide range of phenotypes suspected to have a genetic cause were sent to WES. Approximately 80% were children with neurological phenotypes. Variations having a high probability of being causative were identified in 20 families, achieving a 51.3% molecular diagnostic rate. Among these, 7 exhibited autosomal dominant disease, 12 autosomal recessive diseases and one X-linked disease; 28% of the patients (11/39) were found to carry a novel mutation located in previously reported genes. Novel mutations located in genes not known to be associated with genetic disease were identified in 23% of the patients (9/39). CONCLUSIONS: Whole exome sequencing identified the underlying genetic cause in more than half of the patients referred for evaluation in the genetics clinic at the tertiary hospital. These data demonstrate the utility of WES as a powerful tool for effective diagnostics of monogenic genetic diseases.