Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) associated retinal degeneration: an international study

Ogul E Uner1, Radwa Elsharawi1, Margaret Reynolds2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Ophthalmic Genetics
|January 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pathogenic variants in the Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) gene cause retinal degeneration, often presenting as asymmetric cone and rod dystrophy. This condition is frequently linked with hyperopia and optic atrophy in affected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) is an X-linked gene essential for nucleotide metabolism.
  • Pathogenic PRPS1 variants are associated with Arts syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 5 (CMTX5), and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), potentially including retinal dystrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical characteristics of PRPS1-associated retinal degeneration.
  • To investigate the phenotypic spectrum of PRPS1-related ocular disease across multiple centers.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter retrospective clinical case series.
  • Analysis of data from 15 patients across 12 pedigrees with PRPS1-associated retinal degeneration.

Main Results:

  • PRPS1-associated retinal degeneration predominantly affects females (73.3%) with a mean age of ocular onset at 8.5 years.
  • Common findings include macular and optic atrophy, bone spicules, parafoveal outer retinal atrophy, hyperopia, and asymmetric visual acuity.
  • Electroretinograms reveal delayed and attenuated photopic and scotopic responses, indicating significant retinal dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • PRPS1-associated retinal degeneration typically presents as a bilateral, asymmetric cone and rod dystrophy.
  • The condition is commonly associated with hyperopia and optic atrophy, highlighting the ocular manifestations of PRPS1 gene variants.
Abstract