Objective: To screen for FOXL2 gene mutations in 6 patients with blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), and explore their genotype-phenotype correlation.
Methods: Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the patients for the extraction of genomic DNA. PCR and Sanger sequencing were employed to analyze the coding region and flanking sequences of the FOXL2 gene. Pathogenicity of the identified mutations was verified through literature review and bioinformatic analysis.
Results: A heterozygous c.672_701dup30 mutation was found in the probands from the two familial cases, while three heterozygous mutations (two were novel), namely c.462_468del (p.Pro156Argfs*113), c.251T to A (p.Ile84Asn) and c.988_989insG (p.Ala330Glyfs*204) were detected in the three sporadic cases. Literature review and bioinformatic analysis indicated that all these mutations are pathogenic.
Conclusion: Identification of causative mutations in the BPES patients has provided a basis for genetic counseling and reproductive guidance. The novel mutations have enriched the mutation spectrum of the FOXL2 gene.