Analysis of gene mutations in PKD1/PKD2 by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification: some new findings

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a serious genetic disorder that can lead to chronic renal disease. Protein dysfunction caused by mutations in the genes polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) and polycystic kidney disease 2 (PKD2) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of ADPKD. In the present study, 30 Chinese patients with confirmed diagnosis of ADPKD, based on ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) findings were selected, and the exon copy numbers of PKD1 and PKD2 were determined using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). MLPA identified exon deletion in 1 case, suspected exon deletion in 4 cases, and suspected duplications in 3 cases. One case of suspected exon deletion was confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and sequencing (PKD2 exon 8). A missense mutation was observed in 1 case of exon deletion using q-PCR and sequencing (PKD1 exon 40, c.11333 C>A). The cases of suspected duplications were verified by q-PCR, and the copy number of exon 6 of PKD1 in 1 case of suspected duplication was 3.8 times greater than that in normal controls. Our findings provide new insights into ADPKD screening and mark a possibly meaningful step toward improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with ADPKD.