Identification of two novel heterozygous SLC2A9 mutations in a Chinese woman and review of literature

Abstract

Objective: This study is aimed to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Chinese woman diagnosed with renal hypouricemia type 2 (RHUC2). We also summarize the advances in research on RHUC2 by reviewing related literature.

Methods: We measured clinical parameters of a 57-year-old female and performed whole-exome sequencing to screen for mutations. Human embryonic kidney 293 cells were transiently transfected with plasmids containing wild-type or mutants. Relative mRNA quantification was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: This patient was diagnosed with diabetes and coronary heart disease. In addition, a decrease in 24-hour urinary chloride was observed. Two novel heterozygous variants of SLC2A9 (NM_020041.2): c.682-2_682-1insC and c.267C > G (p.Y89X) were identified. The mini-gene splicing assay revealed that c.682-2_682-1insC variant resulted in a frameshift mutation p. E228PfsX23. There was a statistically significant difference in mRNA expression level between the two mutants and the wild-type.

Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that the two novel mutations are the causative agents of RHUC2. In particular, our findings provide further insights into the function of SLC2A9 and mechanisms of the complications.