A novel variant of the NDP gene results in Norrie disease in a Vietnamese patient
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15625/vjbt-24007Keywords:
FEVR, NDP gene, Norrie disease, retinal disorder, Sanger sequencing, WES.Abstract
Norrie disease is an X-linked recessive inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the NDP gene. Common symptoms of Norrie include abnormal ophthalmological features, such as retinal detachment, cataract, iris atrophy, and corneal opacity, which could result in peripheral vascular disorder and behavioral, learning, or hearing impairments. This study reports the case of a two-month-old male infant who presented with severe ocular manifestations, including retinal detachment, vitreoretinal proliferation, cataract, and microphthalmia. Recently, molecular diagnosis played a crucial role in clarifying the underlying genetic causes of not only retinal disorders but also Norrie disease. In this study, we employed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to detect the pathogenic mutation of the patient. WES analysis of the proband identified a novel hemizygous frameshift variant in the NDP gene, c.77delC (p.T26Ifs*15), which is associated with Norrie disease and classified as likely pathogenic according to the ACMG/AMP guidelines. Concurrently, WES revealed a known heterozygous nonsense variant in the ATP7B gene, c.314C>A (p.S105*), associated with Wilson syndrome. Segregation analysis within the family by Sanger sequencing showed that the proband inherited the NDP c.77delC variant from his asymptomatic heterozygous mother, and the ATP7B c.314C>A variant from his heterozygous father. The proband’s sister was negative for both variants. The family received genetic counselling regarding the diagnosis and implications of the identified variants for future offspring. This case emphasizes the clinical value of integrating detailed ophthalmological assessment with comprehensive genomic testing to elucidate overlapping early-onset retinal phenotypes. These findings contribute to understanding the genetic etiology of severe pediatric retinal disorders in Vietnam and underscore the utility of comprehensive genetic testing like WES in achieving the precise molecular diagnosis.
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