Novel splice site and nonsense variants in PKHD1 cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in a Chinese Zhuang ethnic family.

Background: This study aims to report the clinical characteristics of a child with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) within a Chinese Zhuang ethnic family.

Methods: We used whole exome sequencing (WES) in the family to examine the genetic cause of the disease. Candidate pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing.

Results: We identified previously unreported mutations in the PKHD1 gene of the proband with ARPKD through WES: a splice site mutation c.6809-2A > T, a nonsense mutation c.4192C > T(p.Gln1398Ter), and a missense mutation c.2181T > G(p.Asn727Lys). Her mother is a heterozygous carrier of c.2181T > G(p.Asn727Lys) mutation. Her father is a carrier of c.6809-2A > T mutation and c.4192C > T(p.Gln1398Ter) mutation.

Conclusions: The identification of novel mutations in the PKHD1 gene through WES not only expands the spectrum of known variants but also potentially enhances genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic approaches for families affected by ARPKD.