Analysis of CHST6 gene mutation in macular corneal dystrophy

Objective To investigate the mutations of the gene in a Chinese family with Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD),and to provide the genetic diagnosis and consultation of heredity for the patients and their families.Methods Genomic DNA was isolated from leukocytes of 3 patients of a family with MCD from the northeast China.The third exon of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6(CHST6) gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the positions and types of gene mutations were further determined by direct sequencing.Results A common frameshift mutation due to base insert of the third exon:T62A/62-63insA was detected in all 3 MCD patients,and the terminal codon exists at NO.322 base earlier.Conclusions The mutation T62A/62-63insA is first found in MCD family,which can be used for genetic diagnosis and consultation directly. Key words: Macular corneal dystrophy;  CHST6 gene;  Gene mutation