[Identification of a novel NF1 mutation in a Chinese family affected with neurofibromatosis type I].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular basis for a Chinese family affected with neurofibromatosis type I.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and his parents. Potential mutations of NF1 gene were screened by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate mutations was analyzed using Polyphen-2 and Provean software.

RESULTS

Two mutations of the NF1 gene, including c.702G>A (synonymous mutation) and c.1733T>G (missense mutation), were discovered in the proband. Neither mutation was found in his parents and 50 healthy controls. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the c.1733T>G mutation (p.Leu578Arg) was probably damaging. The affected codon L578 is highly conserved across various species.

CONCLUSION

The c.1733T>C mutation of the NF1 gene probably underlies the neurofibromatosis type I in this family.