A novel compound heterozygous PCDH15 variants is associated with arRP in a Chinese pedigree.

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases. However, it is still not well understand about the relationship between PCDH15 variants and RP.

Methods: In this study, we enrolled a Chinese autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) pedigree and identified the causative gene in the proband by targeted whole exome sequencing (WES). The variants were validated in the family members by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis.

Results: Novel compound heterozygous, Frame shift variants of the PCDH15 gene, NM_001384140.1:c.4368 - 2147_4368-2131del and NM_001384140.1:c exon19:c.2505del: p. T836Lfs*6 were identified in the arRP pedigree, which co-segregated with the clinical RP phenotypes. The PCDH15 protein is highly conserved among species.

Conclusion: This is the first study to identify novel compound heterozygous variants c.4368 - 2147_4368-2131del and c.2505del(p.T836Lfs*6) in the PCDH15 gene which might be disease-causing variants, and extending the variant spectra. All above findings may be contribute to genetic counseling, molecular diagnosis and clinical management of arRP disease.