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[Analysis of pathogenicity and genotype-phenotype correlation of the c.158G>A variant of phenylalanine hydroxylase
Peiying Yang1, Yun Sun, Xin Wang
1Genetic Medicine Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China. jiangtao6310@126.com.
Insights
The c.158G>A variant in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene is associated with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and is likely benign. Its impact on PAH deficiency phenotype depends on other co-occurring pathogenic variants.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Medical Science
Context:
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) are genetic disorders caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of specific PAH variants is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathogenicity and genotype-phenotype correlation of the c.158G>A variant in the PAH gene.
- To determine the clinical significance of the c.158G>A variant in patients with PAH deficiency.
Summary:
- Retrospective analysis of 37 children with PAH deficiency revealed that the c.158G>A variant is associated with mild HPA.
- This variant, often found in compound heterozygous or homozygous states, has minimal impact on PAH activity and is classified as likely benign.
- The ultimate phenotype in patients with the c.158G>A variant is primarily determined by the presence and pathogenicity of other co-existing PAH variants.
Impact:
- Classifying the c.158G>A variant as likely benign aids in the genetic diagnosis of PAH deficiency.
- This finding refines genotype-phenotype correlations, improving the understanding of PKU and HPA.
- Provides valuable information for genetic counseling and personalized treatment strategies for patients with PAH deficiency.
Objective:
To explore the pathogenicity and genotype-phenotype correlation of the c.158G>A variant of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene among patients with PAH deficiency.
Methods:
Thirty seven children diagnosed with PAH deficiency at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University between July 2016 and June 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data and results of genetic testing were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
Among the 37 patients, mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) was observed in 34 cases, two PAH variants (including c.158G>A), which formed a compound heterozygous mutation genotype, were detected in 33 patients, and the remainder one was found to harbor three PAH variants, including homozygous c.158G>A variants and a heterozygous c.842+2T>A variant. Classical phenylketonuria (PKU) was observed in 3 patients, and three PAH variants were detected in each of them, including two with c.[158G>A,842+2T>A]/c.728G>A and c.[158G>A,842+2T>A]/c.611A>G, respectively, and one with c.[158G>A, c.722G>A]/c.728G>A. The c.158G>A variant has a minimal influence on the PAH activity and is associated with a mild HPA phenotype. The variant should thereby be classified as likely benign.
Conclusion:
When the c.158G>A variant and other pathogenic variants are arranged in cis position, the ultimate phenotype will be determined by the pathogenicity of other variants.
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