Trio-based whole-exome sequencing of 200 Chinese patients with keratoconus

Keratoconus (KC) is a complex corneal disorder with a well-recognized genetic component. In this study, we aimed to expand the genetic spectrum of 200 Chinese patients with keratoconus and their unaffected parents. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing was performed in 200 patients with sporadic keratoconus and their unaffected parents. The variants identified in candidate genes for keratoconus were analyzed using multiple bioinformatics tools. Finally, we identified 7 variants in 5 candidate genes for keratoconus in 5 patients. The c.T464C variant in the IMPDH1 gene was defined as likely pathogenic according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and the remaining variants in candidate genes (TRANK1, SLC4A11, CERKL, IFT172) were defined as uncertain significance. Our results expand the genetic spectrum in KC, highlight the genetic heterogeneity of this disease and provide important clues for future functional validation.