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A Novel Synonymous Variant of PAX2 in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins With Bilateral Renal Agenesis: A Case Report and Literature Review

  • 0Department of Medical Genetics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Molecular genetics & genomic medicine +

|

June 14, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Paired Box 2 (PAX2, NM_000278.5) encodes paired box gene 2, one of many human homologs of the Drosophila melanogaster gene prd. PAX2-related disorder is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with renal and eye abnormalities.

METHODS

In this study, both monochorionic diamniotic twins presenting bilateral renal agenesis were subjected to investigation. The pregnancy was terminated and muscular tissue of the fetus was analyzed by trio whole exome sequencing (WES). The target sequence was verified by Sanger sequencing at the genome level. In vitro Minigene model was constructed and the transcribed cDNA was subjected to Sanger sequencing to explore the splicing effect of the suspected mutation.

RESULTS

The synonymous mutation PAX2 c.792G>A was detected in both twins, but not in the parents or the family's firstborn. Although this mutation did not alter the amin acid sequence, minigene splice analysis confirmed that c.792G>A resulted in exon 6 skipping, leading to aberrant mRNA splicing.

CONCLUSION

PAX2 c.792G>A is the first pathogenic synonymous mutation ever documented. It has a significant impact on mRNA splicing and leads to developmental abnormalities. This case highlights the importance of clinical phenotyping as well as comprehensive genetic analysis during genetic testing, including evaluation of synonymous mutations.

Keywords:

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