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Published on: April 4, 2018
RPE65 c.393T>A, p.(Asn131Lys): Novel Sequence Variant Detected
Mirjana Bjeloš1,2,3, Mladen Bušić1,2,3, Ana Ćurić1,3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.
This study links a novel RPE65 variant (c.393T>A, p.(Asn131Lys)) to Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). This finding suggests the variant is likely pathogenic and may indicate candidacy for gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a genetically diverse inherited retinal disease.
- At least 27 genes are known to cause LCA, highlighting its complex genetic basis.
Observation:
- A case report details a female patient with LCA exhibiting nystagmus, night blindness, and retinal abnormalities.
- Genetic testing revealed the patient was a compound heterozygote for two RPE65 variants: a pathogenic variant (c.304G>T, p.(Glu102∗)) and a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (c.393T>A, p.(Asn131Lys)).
Findings:
- The RPE65 c.393T>A, p.(Asn131Lys) variant was absent in healthy controls and predicted to be harmful in silico.
- Clinical presentation correlated with the presence of both RPE65 variants, suggesting a contribution of the VUS to the LCA phenotype.
Implications:
- The RPE65 c.393T>A, p.(Asn131Lys) variant should be reclassified as likely pathogenic based on this case evidence.
- Patients with this specific RPE65 variant may be suitable candidates for emerging gene therapies for LCA.
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