PRPH2 (Peripherin/RDS) mutations associated with different macular dystrophies in a Spanish population: a new

Rosa M Coco1, Juan J Tellería, M Rosa Sanabria

  • 1Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain. rosa@ioba.med.uva.es

Abstract

Insights

PRPH2 gene mutations were identified in patients with various macular dystrophies, revealing new phenotypes for known mutations and a novel mutation. This study correlates genetic findings with clinical presentation in these retinal conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Macular dystrophies encompass a group of inherited retinal diseases affecting central vision.
  • Genetic mutations are a primary cause of various macular dystrophy subtypes.
  • Understanding genotype-phenotype correlations is crucial for diagnosis and potential therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of PRPH2 gene mutations in patients diagnosed with macular dystrophies.
  • To establish correlations between specific PRPH2 mutations and their associated clinical phenotypes.
  • To identify novel mutations within the PRPH2 gene linked to macular degeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 32 sporadic cases and 13 individuals from 5 families with macular dystrophies.
  • Clinical evaluation included patients with early drusen, pattern dystrophy, adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD), central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD), or diffuse macular dystrophy (DMD).
  • Genetic analysis focused on PRPH2, EFEMP1, and TIMP3 genes.

Main Results:

  • Identified four PRPH2 mutations in 3 sporadic cases and 3 families (11 individuals).
  • Observed known mutations (p.R46X, p.L45F, p.R195L) associated with AOFVD, DMD, and CACD, sometimes presenting with new phenotypes.
  • Discovered a novel PRPH2 mutation (p.V2091) in a patient with AOFVD.

Conclusions:

  • PRPH2 mutations can manifest with diverse clinical phenotypes, expanding the known spectrum of these retinal disorders.
  • No intrafamilial phenotype variability was noted for the studied PRPH2 mutations.
  • The identification of a new PRPH2 mutation highlights the ongoing genetic complexity of macular dystrophies.