Dental phenotypes associated with novel PHEX variants in X-linked hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a genetic disorder related to bone, mainly due to the mutations in PHEX gene. Previous studies have reported that XLH patients had various tooth phenotypes. It is unclear whether there are any rules about these abnormal tooth phenotypes, especially in those XLH cases with PHEX mutations. The objectives of this study were to find the most representative dental characteristics of XLH and the possible phenotype-genotype correlation.

Two unrelated patients with XLH underwent clinical, radiographic, biochemical, and genetic evaluation. Whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing were used to identify pathogenic variants. The ultrastructure of extracted teeth was analyzed using a stereomicroscope, micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a PubMed search (up to January 2026) identified 22 articles involving 366 patients for descriptive phenotype comparison.

Two novel PHEX variants were identified: a novel complex structural variant (NC_000023.11, g.22035649-22041668delins) and a novel heterozygous splice-site variant (NM_000444.6, c.850-1 G>A). Radiographic examination showed enlarged pulp chambers and irregular pulp morphology. Ultrastructural analysis revealed dentin defects, including globular dentin, irregular interglobular dentin, disrupted dentinal tubules, and exposed collagen fibrils. Literature-based analysis indicated prevalent clinical manifestations (pulp necrosis, tooth loss, periodontitis) and radiographic findings (enlarged pulp chamber, and prominent pulp horn).

In these two patients, novel PHEX variants were associated with a recurrent dentin-pulp phenotype. Integrated clinical, radiographic, ultrastructural, and literature evidence supports dentin defects as a central component of the dental phenotype in XLH and underscores the importance of early dental assessment.