A novel frameshift mutation in the DIAPH1 gene causes a Chinese family autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss: Mutation in DIAPH1 causes hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE

This study reports a novel heterozygous, likely truncating mutation in the diaphanous homolog 1 (DIAPH1) gene associated with non-syndromic hearing loss.

METHODS

Family members underwent audiological and imaging assessments, whole-exome sequencing (WES), and Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Sensorineural hearing loss was observed in all five individuals, with severity ranging from mild to severe. None of the affected patients reported vestibular complaints, and routine blood tests showed normal platelet counts. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel frameshift variation, c.3555delA (p.Gln1185Hisfs*3), in exon 26 of the DIAPH1 gene. This variation co-segregated with the hearing-impaired phenotype in the family. The data collected support the classification of c.3555delA as a genetic etiology of hereditary hearing loss according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

CONCLUSION

We identified a novel pathogenic mutation in the DIAPH1 gene, thereby expanding the mutation spectrum associated with hearing loss.