Identification and characterization of a novel recessive KCNQ1 mutation associated with Romano-Ward Long-QT syndrome in two Iranian families.

Background: One of the foremost causes of sudden cardiac death in the young is an inherent cardiac arrhythmia known as Long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Whereas heterozygous mutations typically lead to the Romano-Ward type of LQTS, We have provided a further evidence for the recessive transmission of a novel KCNQ1 gene mutation in two consanguineous families for the first time in Iran.

Methods: Next generation sequencing, DNA Sanger sequencing and haplotype analysis were performed for genotype determination. Twelve different in silico tools were used for predicting the variant pathogenecity along with the family and population study.

Results: A novel recessive KCNQ1 variant (p.D564G) was revealed in none of the unrelated healthy individuals but four patients in two apparently unrelated families. The variant was classified as a likely pathogenic mutation by combining the resulted criteria for the changed amino acid.

Conclusions: Identification of the novel mutation not only supports the genetic testing as a definitive diagnostic tool for detection of at risk family members, but also emphasizes its screening in Iranian LQTS patients as this mutation is very likely a founder mutation in Iran.