Abstract
Purpose :
Analyze the first subset of 69 patients with Familial Exudative Vitreo Retinopathy (FEVR) who were sequenced using a custom Ampliseq targeted gene panel that includes 7 genes (NDP, CTNNB1, TSPAN12, KIF11, FZD4, LRP5, ZNF408) that are potentially involved in FEVR.
Methods :
A custom Ampliseq targeted-panel (180 amplicons) for 8 genes was designed with illumina’s DesignStudio Sequencing Assay Design for complete coverage of 83 exons with 25 bp adjacent intron sequence. Seven of the genes are applicable to FEVR: NDP (ChrX), CTNNB1 (Chr3); TSPAN12 (Chr7); KIF11 (Chr10), FZD4 (Chr11), LRP5 (Chr11), ZNF408 (Chr11). Ampliseq libraries were pooled and sequenced using the Illumina iSeq-100 platform. Variant impacts and allele frequency data were determined from ClinVar and The Genome Aggregation Databases (gnomAD).
Results :
For the seven genes that are applicable to FEVR, a total of 35 variants were found that alter protein sequence, with the following relative distribution: NDP 1/35 (2.9%), CTNNB1 1/35 (2.9%),TSPAN12 1/35 (2.9%), KIF11 3/35 (8.6%), FZD4 10/35 (28.6%), LRP5 13/35 (37.1%), ZNF408 6/35 (17.1%). Types of protein changes were: single amino acid change (77.1%), amino acid deletion (8.6 %), and amino acid insertion (2.9%).
Conclusions :
A custom Ampliseq targeted-sequencing Orphan Pediatric Retinal Disease panel (version 2, 8 genes) developed by our lab provided extensive sequencing coverage of all exons and detected 35 protein-altering variants in a set of 69 FEVR patients. 76% of the variants were found in three genes: FZD4, LRP5, and ZNF408. The testing format greatly reduces associated costs and now facilitates greater access to genetic testing for Families with this very rare inherited retinal disease.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.