Constellation of five facial features of tuberous sclerosis in a child with a TSC2 1808A>G mutation

Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel intron heterozygous mutation in TSC2 responsible for tuberous sclerosis complex

This study was aimed to identify the potentially pathogenic gene variants that contribute to the etiology of the tuberous sclerosis complex. A Chinese pedigree with tuberous sclerosis complex was collected and the exomes of two affected individuals were sequenced using the whole exome sequencing technology. The resulting variants from whole exome sequencing were filtered by basic and advanced biological information analysis and the candidate mutation was verified as heterozygous by sanger sequencing. After basic and advanced biological information analysis, a total of 9 single nucleotide variants were identified, which were all follow the dominant inheritance pattern. Among which, the intron heterozygous mutation c.600-145 C > T transition in TSC2 was identified and validated in the two affected individuals. In silico analysis with human splicing finder (HSF) predicted the effect of the c.600-145 C > T mutations on TSC2 mRNA splicing, and detected the creation of a new exonic cryptic donor site, which would result in a frame-shift, and finally premature termination codon. Our results reported the novel intron heterozygous mutation c.600-145 C > T in TSC2 may contribute to TSC, expanding our understanding of the causally relevant genes for this disorder.

The prevalence of pica in tuberous sclerosis complex

BACKGROUND

Pica and Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are rare disorders. We carried out a population survey of pica in our TSC patient population.

FINDINGS

Pica was identified in four percent of cases of TSC. It was associated with adult onset or persistence into adulthood, epilepsy, severe learning difficulties and anaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Pica in TSC is a rare disorder and a coherent history may be difficult to obtain from patients. The prevalence of pica is likely to be underdiagnosed. Pica is a recognised feature in adults with TSC and prompt recognition of this disorder should allow better management of patients with TSC.