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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
Two siblings with a novel nonsense mutation, p.R50X, in the vitamin D receptor gene
Vichit Supornsilchai1, Yodporn Hiranras, Suttipong Wacharasindhu
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is caused by vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene mutations. A novel p.R50X mutation was identified in two siblings, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is an autosomal recessive disorder.
- It results from inactivating mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene.
Observation:
- Two siblings with HVDRR were identified, aged 10 years 9 months and 9 months.
- Mutation analysis revealed a novel homozygous C to T transition (c.148C>T) in exon 2 of the VDR gene, leading to a premature stop codon (p.R50X).
- The proband presented with total alopecia, late-onset hypocalcemia, and normophosphatemia, symptoms not typically found in HVDRR.
Findings:
- A novel VDR gene mutation, p.R50X, was identified in two siblings with HVDRR.
- Both asymptomatic parents were heterozygous carriers of the mutation.
- The identified mutation resulted in a premature stop codon in the VDR gene.
Implications:
- This study identifies a new mutation causing HVDRR.
- Genetic testing is crucial for early diagnosis and genetic counseling in families with HVDRR.
- The findings contribute to understanding the genetic basis of vitamin D resistance.
Abstract:
Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. We identified two affected children from the same family, one at the age of 10 years and 9 months and the other at 9 months old. Mutation analysis by PCR-sequencing the entire coding region of the VDR gene revealed a homozygous C to T transition in exon 2 of the VDR gene (c.148C>T) resulting in a stop codon at amino acid position 50 (p.R50X) in the proband and his younger sister. The p.R50X has never been previously described. Both asymptomatic parents were heterozygous for the mutation. In addition to most of the clinical features of HVDRR including total alopecia, symptoms of hypocalcemia at a later onset and normophosphatemia, rarely found in HVDRR were present in the proband. This study also emphasizes an important role of genetic testing for early diagnosis and genetic counseling.
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