Cone Dystrophy Associated with a Novel Variant in the Terminal Codon of the <i>RPGR</i>-<i>ORF15</i>

• Main Authors: Vlasta Hadalin, Maja Šuštar, Marija Volk, Aleš Maver, Jana Sajovic, Martina Jarc-Vidmar, Borut Peterlin, Marko Hawlina, Ana Fakin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Genes
• Subjects: RPGR; ORF15; cone-dystrophy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/12/4/499

Mutations in <i>RPGR^ORF15</i> are associated with rod-cone or cone/cone-rod dystrophy, the latter associated with mutations at the distal end. We describe the phenotype associated with a novel variant in the terminal codon of the <i>RPGR^ORF15</i> c.3457T>A (Ter1153Lysext*38), which results in a C-terminal extension. Three male patients from two families were recruited, aged 31, 35, and 38 years. Genetic testing was performed by whole exome sequencing. Filtered variants were analysed according to the population frequency, ClinVar database, the variant’s putative impact, and predicted pathogenicity; and were classified according to the ACMG guidelines. Examination included visual acuity (Snellen), colour vision (Ishihara), visual field, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electrophysiology. All patients were myopic, and had central scotoma and reduced colour vision. Visual acuities on better eyes were counting fingers, 0.3 and 0.05. Electrophysiology showed severely reduced cone-specific responses and macular dysfunction, while the rod-specific response was normal. FAF showed hyperautofluorescent ring centred at the fovea encompassing an area of photoreceptor loss approximately two optic discs in diameter (3462–6342 μm). Follow up after 2–11 years showed enlargement of the diameter (avg. 100 μm/year). The novel c.3457T>A (Ter1153Lysext*38) mutation in the terminal <i>RPGR^ORF15</i> codon is associated with cone dystrophy, which corresponds to the previously described phenotypes associated with mutations in the distal end of the <i>RPGR^ORF15</i>. Minimal progression during follow-up years suggests a relatively stable disease after the initial loss of the central cones.