Identification of a novel mutation in the cornea specific keratin 12 gene causing Meesmann's corneal dystrophy in a German family.

Purpose: To report a novel missense mutation of the cornea specific keratin 12 (KRT12) gene in two generations of a German family diagnosed with Meesmann;s corneal dystrophy.

Methods: Ophthalmologic examination of the proband and sequencing of keratin 3 (KRT3) and KRT12 of the proband and three other family members were performed. Restriction enzyme analysis was used to confirm the detected mutation in affected individuals of the family.

Results: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the proband revealed multiple intraepithelial microcysts comparable to a Meesmann dystrophy phenotype. A novel heterozygous A-->G transversion at the first nucleotide position of codon 129 (ATG>GTG, M129V) in exon 1 of KRT12 was detected in the proband, her two affected sons but not in her unaffected husband or 50 control individuals.

Conclusions: We have identified a novel missense mutation within the highly conserved helix-initiation motif of KRT12 causing Meesmann;s corneal dystrophy in a German family.